“What is the future of a child who is forced to call the unforgiving streets their home, their playground, and their refuge?”
Ghana’s streets are home to thousands of children who have been forced to fend for themselves, often from a tender age. Streetism, a phenomenon where children live and survive on the streets without adult supervision, has become a pressing concern in the country.
These children are exposed to unimaginable hardships, abuse, and exploitation, robbing them of their childhood and future prospects.
Life on the streets is brutal for Ghana’s street children. They scavenge for food, sleep in open spaces, and are constantly at risk of physical and emotional abuse.Most of these children can be found on the streets engaging in negative acts such as pickpocketing as a means of survival.
They are subjected to violence, exploitation, and trafficking, with some especially the girls being forced into prostitution. The lack of access to basic necessities like shelter, healthcare, sanitation, and education further exacerbates their vulnerability.
The life conditions on the streets makes these children talk, act and behave like adults but in reality they are not.
Living on the streets takes a devastating toll on a child’s mental health.
The trauma, stress, and anxiety of surviving on the streets can lead to long-term psychological damage, affecting their self-esteem, confidence, and ability to form healthy relationships.
Because of the harsh condition on the streets, many street children develop behavioral problems, substance abuse issues, and mental health disorders, making it even harder for them to reintegrate into society.
These children constitute to the most important human resource that can potentially contribute significantly to the development of the nation.
Streetism is often a symptom of deeper issues like poverty, family breakdown, and lack of access to education.
Without access to quality forms of education, these children are unlikely to break free from the cycle of poverty, perpetuating a vicious cycle that affects not only themselves but also future generations.
As a society, we often overlook the struggles of street children but behind every child on the streets is a story of neglect, abandonment and heartbreak.
Parents hold the key to their children’s future, poverty shouldn’t be the cause for one to drive her children to the streets to fend for themselves rather go through every legal means to provide for the kids.
Don’t abandon them instead: Prioritize their needs, show them love and care, Be present and involved in their lives and invest in their education and development as this can shape their destiny.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of responsible parenthood. When individuals aren’t ready to birth or not financially stable to take care of kids, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Responsible Parenthood is a critical aspect of building a brighter future. By promoting access to birth control and abstinence from sexual activities, we can help curb child streetism.
The plight of Ghana’s street children demands urgent attention and action. Government agencies, NGOs, and individuals must work together to provide these children with safe shelter, education, and vocational training.
Addressing the root causes of streetism, such as poverty and family breakdown, is also crucial to preventing more children from ending up on the streets.
By shedding light on the harsh effects of streetism, we hope to spark a national conversation and inspire collective action to protect Ghana’s most vulnerable citizens – its children.
Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and it’s time we give them the support they need to reclaim their childhood and build a brighter future.
Article Written By Biney Yakubu | Kobby Kyei News
