Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The world has 100 million street children and 18 million of them live in India. Alone, without a home or any adult to care for them they live and work on the streets. Some are abandoned or orphaned children, many have fled from domestic violence or abuse in the family. On the streets they are exposed to violence from criminal gangs and the police. To survive they sell papers, shine shoes and beg and are easy targets for all kinds of abuse and exploitation.
In Nashik a town built on the banks of the River Godavari in the state of Maharashtra, Inter-Vita organisation has opened a Centre for Street children. The Centre is open 24 hours a day for all kinds of assistance and help: a meal, a shower, medical care and even hospital treatment for those who are unwell.
Most of the children who come to the centre are undernourished and many suffer from skin diseases, respiratory ailments or sexually transmitted illnesses.
The Centre also works to restore children’s self-respect helping them discover and develop their talents. In education projects much space is given to playing and music and dance are used with great success. Older children are encouraged to take part in discussion groups on questions which concern them directly and this teaches them to participate and solve problems by talking them through. (AP) (23/3/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:27; Parole:320)
