Street Children

'Street' children have been given this anonymous label because the 'street' is where they live their lives: hustling, sleeping, working, eating. We define a street child as any child for whom the street is the dominant element in their lives. The street is their home; this is where their daily struggle is endured.

Currently in Africa there are a few national governments addressing the very real needs of these marginalized citizens; there simply is not enough money to go around. There is also a stigmatism attached to street children and in many countries they are forced to live on the fringe of society with no identity within their community. No identity means no protection as children are forced to live and work on the street without safe parental or adult care and support. This leaves the children extremely vulnerable to illness and abuse, street children are amongst the most vulnerable children in society. In the context of Africa, the list of life threatening diseases is long, but in the light of the pandemic which has killed Africans, HIV/AIDS is one of the most threatening along with opportunistic infections such as TB and malaria.

It is up to grass root organisations and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to reach out to these children and offer them a helping hand. This is where Street Child Africa listens and helps. Our partners all over Africa provide a support to children with protection, guidance, education and health care.

Help offered can lead to street children fulfilling their vast potential. Street children may be marginalised but many are also ambitious, tough and resilient. They manage to survive in the toughest of environments and they have dreams of getting out of the situation they find themselves in.