Rehabilitate street children
Thanks to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for directing the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to arrange special programmes for rehabilitating the hapless street children and ensuring social and economic security of women.
As the prime minister said, “Why will thousands of children have to take the path of begging?” Why will they not have a home to live in? When the children are supposed to go to school, why will they have to lead such a life? Make special arrangements and projects. If we can educate the street children properly and build up their lives, they will be our country's asset.”
The prime minister also said, “ Children are our future, our aim should be building up the new generation as well-educated, ideal, and patriotic citizens.” Make sure that no child is employed in risky work which may harm them physically.
According to UN sources, there are up to 150 million street children in the world today. Chased from home by violence, drug and alcohol abuse, the death of a parent, family breakdown, war, natural disaster or simply socio-economic collapse, many destitute children are forced to eke out a living on the streets, scavenging, begging, hawking in the slums and polluted cities of the developing world.
That children are in the streets for many different reasons should not discourage attempts to look at their problems as a global responsibility. If you are an adult and you live on this planet, be aware now that many of our children are going to sleep hungry tonight, in the streets, with no adult protection or care. Millions of children are living in the streets, and the number is rising.
Small independent agencies work directly to assist street children in limited geographical areas. They have small budgets and they raise the money themselves. There are many similarities in their programmes but each has developed its own way of dealing with the problems of street children in their area. They will welcome your interest and deserve your support and assistance.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments