Let's rescue the street children
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According to the Consortium For Street Children (CSC), a street child is defined as "one for whom the street has become his/her abode and/or source of livelihood; and who is inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by a responsible adult."
Former US President John F Kennedy famously said, "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future."
A nurturing environment is vital for the cognitive and physical development of children, as they are the "superstars" of the nation. Children will learn what we insert into their minds from the moment of their upbringing. Particularly, pre-adolescence is the period when they acquire knowledge more steadily and rapidly from their parents and surroundings.
Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist known for his work on child development, referred to children as little scientists because they perform experiments, make observations and learn about the world. But, what about street children! Can we call them little scientists after examining their well-being and wasted potential on the streets?
The situation for such beautiful souls is dire, as heart-wrenching reports describe the bleak development of children at the lowest ebb of growth. Education is compulsory for all according to Article 25-A of the Constitution, and according to a Unicef report, 22 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school. If such a number is out of school, where are these innocent souls? Do they live at home, or do they perform labour to sustain their livelihood? Let's ask more! If not both, they may be roaming the streets, lost without purpose. Yes, it is the grim reality of children in Pakistan, whose beauty and bliss are overshadowed on the streets.
When one ponders on this, the causes point to poverty - the main reason for depriving children of their educational rights. One-third of our population lives below the poverty line and cannot even afford three meals a day. These parents often prefer to send their children to work or to wander in the streets to earn money to feed the family, even though child labour is prohibited by the Employment of Children Act 1991. We often see children begging on the streets or near shopping malls - heartbreaking scenes where the age of living becomes the age of earning. Other causes, such as parental neglect, lack of vigilance and social abuse, also push children to roam the streets.
These causes affect the children psychologically and socially, often alienating them from the privileged position enjoyed by children enrolled in schools. Not only this, but their health is severely affected, weakening them both physically and mentally and lowering their cognitive development.
International Street Children Day is observed annually on April 12th to safeguard their rights and needs. The day's main purpose is to recognise the humanity, dignity and resilience of these children and to address the challenges they face. The day provides a platform for governments and individuals worldwide to work together and ensure the rights of children, regardless of their location.
Having such a day, it is our collective obligation to look for lost and wandering children and guarantee their fundamental rights. If we stand united to support the basic needs of even one child, the number of street children will decrease.
Love and kindness are attractive traits that incline children toward the right path. If society comes forward with such initiatives, children will be protected from hazardous circumstances. Moreover, organisations can play a vital role in organising events, campaigns and awareness initiatives to address the issue of street children. These initiatives can help improve the circumstances that have led them to wander the streets.
Mehmet Murat Ildan says, "The presence of even a single poor child on the street means a million defeats for mankind." Ensuring resources and opportunities and addressing the flaws and setbacks faced by street children can uplift their dignity. So, come forth for these stars, they will shine in the future.
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