Homeless children share their struggles and concerns

International Day for Street Children observed by Karunalaya

On the occasion of International Day for Street Children on Tuesday, members of Karunalaya Children Leaders’ Council presented a set of nine recommendations comprising concerns related to health, education, protection and housing that they face as street children.

Monisha, the head of the council, spoke about how an increasing number of children were falling prey to substance abuse and were also getting exposed to explicit content online. “For years now, we have found it hard to procure identity documents. Most of us do not have birth or community certificates, and it is a struggle to get this sorted,” she said, urging the government to address their concerns. She and her council members spoke as a part of an event organized by the Karunalaya Social Service Society to mark the day.

“Housing is one of our main concerns. On the streets, we are vulnerable to accidents, and have nearly no access to basic sanitation facilities. Many of our problems will be addressed if we are given houses by the government, but it should be close to the area we currently live in given that our parents have their livelihoods here,” said Karthikeyan, a member of the council, said.

The children spoke about bettering facilities at English medium government schools, protection against abuse on the streets, ensuring participatory rights for children and assistance to nurture the talents they had in sports.

Paul Sunder Singh, secretary, Karunalaya, said it was important to hear from the children themselves about their lives and the concerns they had. “On this occasion, we are also honouring social workers who have been silently working with street children. From education to protection, they have been guiding these children and are a valuable part of their lives,” he said.

The Chief Guest for the event, Oliver Ballhatchet, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai, said it was an important day for street children to remember their rights. “You all have the right to be respected, to be protected and safe and have access to education. These rights are yours forever, and never let anyone take this away from you,” he said.

Speaking about how important it was to also recognise social workers, he said they worked towards promoting and protecting the rights of children. “Social workers do not do what they do for money or fame. They do it from a deep sense of love and responsibility. They are heroes,” Mr. Ballhatchet said.