As ambassadors for street-connected children, the Starlight Foundation has adopted a strategy of community engagement to prevent more children from becoming street-connected. Our Teach Them Young project introduces students, teachers, parents, and community members to the impact of streetism on young people’s lives. This approach has revealed the vulnerability of children in environments where they feel safe, loved, and valued, whether it’s at home, at school, or, in extreme cases, on the street for children who have suffered abuse and lack parental guidance.
We all agree that the street is unsuitable for a growing child. However, some street-connected children have stated that they feel safer and more secure on the street than in their homes. This is concerning, as the house should be the primary haven for every child. Our efforts to eliminate streetism from our communities will be futile if we tolerate the exploitation and abuse of children for personal gain. Children from abusive homes often isolate themselves from their peers and plan to escape their misery. As community members promoting inclusivity for all children, we must be attentive to these signs and not protect those who exploit and abuse children.
This is a partnership between us and you, urging you to be vigilant of children in our communities and immediately report any signs of child abuse. Speaking up when you see something wrong is essential, because “safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. “We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” – Nelson Mandela
YENHOHIA, WE MATTER TOO.
#LetsTalkAboutThem #YENHOHIA #TheStreetMatters #RepresentationIsTheWay #WeMatterToo #StreetConnectedChildren #Inclusivity #SocialJustice #StarlightFoundation #TransformingLives #CommunityImpact
