Program Areas

 Street & Working Children

 

INTRODUCTION

The growing number of street and working children is a global problem — a devastating consequence of rapid urban development, particularly in low-income countries. Based on the definition of “children and youth ages 18 and under who either work fulltime or live on the city streets,” the number of street children worldwide is estimated at 100 million. While their geographic origin and family situations vary, they are driven to the streets as a result of extreme poverty and lack of a stable home environment. Once on the street they often lose such basic rights as adequate food, shelter, education, and protection; and they become extremely susceptible to disease and abuse. 

In India, the number of street and working children may be as high as 10 million, with an estimated 500,000 living in Delhi alone. Many of these children are migrants, arriving at Delhi railway stations from all over the country, as well as from neighboring countries. From a young age they work long days performing jobs such as shoe shining, car washing and picking through garbage, earning less than $1 per day. Once on the streets, they are off the radar screen for government services, schools, and public safety nets. 

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

Since 2000, Project Concern International/India (PCI/India) has been improving life opportunities for street and working children at drop-in Centers in three communities in Delhi — in New Seemapuri, Red Fort, and Nizamuddin Railway Station — as well as a shelter home for boys in Harayana, to which children from the drop-in centers who are orphaned or have special needs are referred for long-term stay. PCI has provided over 6,100 street and working children a continuum of integrated services that address medical, educational, vocational, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. As these needs are met, the child’s ability to take some control over his/her destiny is strengthened, and thus a life of desperation and destitution can be turned into one of empowerment and hope.  

MAJOR COMPONENTS

Health

PCI India’s mobile clinic (duration 2000-2007) provides regular healthcare to street and working children, and also serves as an ‘entry point’ for identifying vulnerable children and raising awareness about street children within the communities it reaches. The mobile health clinic provides basic health care and specializes in treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are known to substantially increase the spread of HIV. Since inception, the mobile clinic has reached more than 20,000 people, including 12,487 children and youth. Without this traveling medical facility, children and adults in Old Delhi, New Seemapuri and Nizamuddin area would not have access to health services. 

In addition, a doctor and paramedic are deployed weekly to all intervention sites, to treat general ailments and provide immunizations. Periodic ‘health camps are also organized to address specific issues such as TB, dental hygiene, and first aid; and when needed, they provide referrals to area hospitals.  

Under the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, PCI is now supporting 16 street and working children who are living with HIV/AIDS. PCI provides the children a comprehensive care and treatment package that includes psycho-social, nutritional, medical, and transportation support. More information about this program is located under HIV/AIDS programs. 

Education

Daily non-formal education classes are held at the drop-in centers and shelter home, designed to provide children with basic literacy and numeracy skills. More than 4,750 children have received non-formal education since 2002, and as their capabilities improve, PCI India helps them enroll in government schools. More than 330 children have been enrolled to date.  

Economic Development

For children to sustain a life off the streets, they must acquire marketable skills, particularly those who are past school-age and cannot return home. Most street and working children lack education or any other skills – except those needed to survive. At the shelter and at one of the drop-in centers, PCI India runs several vocational training programs, including greeting card production. The cards are sold to local businesses, and the children are encouraged to save their profits in a Savings Program. In September 2006, PCI India began marketing the cards in the United States; more than 5,000 cards have been sold to date. PCI India also helps older youth find apprenticeships and employment through a job placement program. PCI has placed 55 children over the age of 14 in jobs and has trained 3,700 children vocational skills. 

Reunification

PCI India explores the feasibility and suitability of family reunification if that is the will of the child. Reunification is a complex process that involves family tracing and assessment, counseling the family and the child to address the issues that caused separation, assuring that reintegration is in the child’s best interest, and follow-up by PCI India staff to ensure the child’s continued well being. Since 2005, 276 children have been reunited with their families.

 

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