Top 5 Ways in Which You can Help Street Children

06/09/16

Child Protection

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Across the world, the need to help street children remains a common developmental imperative. In assessing how to help street children, we must acknowledge that one of the common challenges is that street children are often invisible to society’s eyes. Notably, the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, recognised street children’s issues and the relevance of child rights, in this context. The UNCRC urged governments to provide street children with the necessary services, protection, and care.

The Government of India, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, has managed to help street children in a variety of ways. The notable transition has been from simply addressing the surface-level issues to tackling the root causes. As such, the Government of India’s interventions have come to address the heart of the problem – education, social inequality, and others. Let us explore some practical steps in which we can assist them, improve their conditions, and participate in the common goal of fostering a more inclusive and caring society. On the whole, India’s approach has been defined by greater policy integration, a robust emphasis on whole-of-society approaches, and mobilising resources to where they are needed the most. Please factor in the importance of identity documents that can lead to all this. 

1. Inclusive access to education

Prioritising inclusive education access is a meaningful solution of street children engagement, as it offers them an opportunity out of poverty. By prioritising how to help street children’s education, we can help move them out of the workforce, and into a world of better opportunities. Whether through mobile schools, bridge programmes or other initiatives, they can be moved closer to formal education, and eventually a life of gainful employment.

2. Addressing health issues

Providing suitable healthcare, including nutrition and the regimen of correct vaccinations is a key solution for street children rescue and rehabilitation. From mobile health clinics to partnerships with local hospitals, a lot can be done to ensure that children receive the necessary health services and psychological support.

3. Skilling opportunities

For street children who have been rescued and rehabilitated after a certain age, the path of traditional education (KG to class 12) may not be a viable proposition. Instead, we must explore
Another solution for street children that empowers them to avail themselves of future opportunities is to look to programmes providing adequate skilling access that can prepare these children to enter the formal workforce and build a foundational base of skills that can make a significant difference.

4. Community programmes

It is crucial to build societal acceptance and support for the journey of rehabilitating street children. Through such programmes, community stakeholders can help identify children who need support. Such programmes hinge on community-driven support and inclusion and can help mainstream street children into society again.

5. Support NGOs

 Bal Raksha Bharat, also known as Save the Children, is a leading child rights protection NGO in India that has been working tirelessly since 2004 to transform the lives of children nationwide.
From focusing on how to help street children’s education to access to health and nutrition, quality education, protection from harm, and supporting psychosocial needs, their work has made a tangible difference. They have been particularly focused on children in street situations, working to protect them from exploitation and provide them with equal opportunities. Through their outreach programs, they have touched the lives of over 1 crore young children, providing 13.8 lakh children across 15 states with resources, support, and opportunities to build a childhood they can cherish.

To better understand and address these needs, Bal Raksha Bharat has conducted surveys in various cities to estimate the number of street children and gain insight into the quality of their lives. They have also conducted a mapping study across 10 cities to assess the socio-economic and related conditions of children living in street situations. These efforts are aimed at helping to mainstream these children and ensure their rehabilitation.

A significant intervention by the NGO has been providing identity cards to street children, enabling them to access their basic rights and services. Through these cards, they can be enrolled in school and access educational services, receive medical care, participate in health programmes, and benefit from various government welfare schemes, including food security, housing, and financial aid. Additionally, an identity card serves as a form of legal recognition, protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, and also helps in reuniting lost children with their families. A formally accepted identification also allows street children to access banking services, including opening savings accounts, which can be crucial for their financial independence and security.  As these children enter adulthood, having a formally accepted identity card allows them to participate in vocational training programmes and enter the workforce.  Bal Raksha Bharat, therefore, collaborates with government agencies to streamline the process of issuing identity cards to street children and educates street children and their guardians about the importance and benefits of having an identity card. Through its community outreach, it assists children and their guardians in applying for identity cards.

Every such solution for street children that has been put forward is increasingly multi-faceted and sustainable. From increasing public and private investment in child welfare to building the capacities of NGOs, a transformation is emerging right before our eyes. The role of organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat, which use innovative and dynamic approaches to how support and care are extended to street children, in partnership with governments and societies are making a difference.

Gaurav Sharma

Content Reviewer

“I am an editor and technical specialist at Bal Raksha Bharat, responsible for publishing articles and posts. My role involves evaluating content for consistency, and ensuring a positive user experience across the website."