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Street children should be rehabilitated 

Published : Tuesday, 24 September, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 344
Sharif Obaidullah
A significant portion of children in Bangladesh are being neglected, oppressed, and exploited currently. Bangladesh is a developing country.Middle-class, lower-class, or poor families make up the majority of families in this country. Families are unable to live a proper life as a consequence. 

Their inability to earn the necessary income is the reason. As a result, families are unable to meet the needs of their children.  Due to this, a large number of children end up on the streets to satisfy their hunger.  Additionally, families may have various conflicts that lead to children ending up on the streets.  A street child may become the result of an immoral relationship in which an unmarried man or woman fails to maintain an unwanted child. Divorce and premature death of parents are one of the reasons for the creation of street children.  There are many reasons why street children are born, such as this.

Street children are seen more in Kamalapur Railway Station, Airport Railway Station, Tongi Railway Station, High Court Shrine, SohrawardyUdyan, Ramna Park, PalashiMor, DoelChatwar, Chankharpool, Dhaka University Campus, Shaheed Minar, Dhaka Medical, Gabtali, Sadarghat and various foot overbridge areas of the capital.

According to a research paper on the situation of street children under the 'Child Sensitive Social Protection in Bangladesh (CSPB) Phase-II' project, 3.4 lakh children are living on the streets in Bangladesh.  Extreme poverty, family instability, and physical or mental abuse often result in many children being separated from their families and living on the streets.  To survive, they engage in risky activities.

Obscene words affect 51 percent of street children, as per a study conducted by the Ministry of Social Welfare. 20 percent were physically abused. 14.5 percent of street children are victims of sexual abuse. The number of street girls who have been sexually assaulted is 46 percent.

According to a report by an organization called Social and Economic Enhancement Program, about 44 percent of street children are drug addicts, 41 percent of children have no bed to sleep in, 40 percent of children cannot bathe, 35 percent defecate in the open, 54 percent have no one to look after them when they are sick and  75 percent of children cannot communicate with a doctor when they are sick.

International Charter of Child Rights, our Constitution, Children Act- 2013, Special Act on Prevention of Violence against Women and Children prohibit all forms of cruelty, coercion, physical and mental abuse against children.  To avoid economic exploitation and any hazardous work, which is likely to cause harm and which may disrupt his education.  Children have the right to be protected from such acts.  The child also has the right to be free from work that is harmful to the child's health and that hinders his physical, mental, economic, moral or social development.

Reintegrating street children into the mainstream in Bangladesh is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty, human rights, social stability, health and well-being, and future generations.Every child deserves access to basic rights, including education, healthcare, and a safe environment. 

Addressing their needs promotes social justice. Providing education and vocational training can help street children escape poverty, leading to better economic prospects for themselves and their families. Integrating these children reduces social unrest and crime associated with marginalized populations, fostering a more stable society. Street children often face health risks. Reintegrating them can provide access to medical care and improve their overall well-being. Educated and integrated individuals can contribute positively to society, breaking the cycle of disadvantage for future generations.Overall, it's about ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their communities.

Bringing street children in Bangladesh back into the mainstream requires targeted strategies:

Immediate Support Services: Establish safe shelters offering food, healthcare, and hygiene facilities. Mobile outreach teams can engage with street children directly.

Education Programs: Develop non-formal education initiatives that accommodate their schedules. Integrate vocational training to provide marketable skills.

Community-Based Solutions: Involve local NGOs and community leaders to create a support network. Promote awareness programs to reduce stigma and encourage community involvement.

Family Reintegration: Facilitate family reunification efforts, providing counseling and support to address underlying issues that led to displacement.

Psychosocial Support: Offer counseling services to help children deal with trauma and build resilience. Peer support groups can also foster a sense of belonging.

Employment Opportunities: Partner with businesses to create apprenticeships and job placements tailored for young people, ensuring safe working conditions.

Policy Advocacy: Work with the government to develop and implement policies that protect the rights of street children and improve their access to services.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously assess the effectiveness of programs and adapt strategies based on feedback from the children and the community.

By combining immediate assistance with long-term support, Bangladesh can better integrate street children into society. If everyone takes appropriate steps with sincerity from their respective places, one day there will be no more street children in our country.  Every child will grow up with their basic rights.  And we hope to become qualified to play a role in the welfare of the country one day.

The writer is founder of Noboddom Foundation


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