adminTendai Gukutikwa
IN a world where child rights are being advocated for relentlessly by human and child rights activists by outlining why children should be protected from political, economic and social hazards, it is quite amusing how the street child has remained marginalised and extremely vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation, substance abuse and deprivation.
As Africa celebrated the day of the African child on June 16, child rights activists and organisations joined them, but they also took some time to celebrate a yet to be officially recognised by the international and national community day, ‘The day of the street child.’
A Mutare-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Simukai Child Protection Programme and its stakeholders had their belated celebrations of the Day of the Street Child at Sakubva Musika last Friday.
NGOs around the world have set aside April 12 as the day of the street child since 2011 and this year’s celebrations were held under the theme: ‘Demand a day to fight for our future.’
Speaking at the commemorations, Simukai board member Mrs Joanna Mwaurayeni said in most cases many street children run to the streets in order to escape from various forms of abuse, while some are compelled by desperate economic situations to live pathetic and chaotic lives in the streets.
She said Simukai as an organisation standing in for those children’s rights pulls all possible strings to have those children back in their homes or put them in orphanages.
“In some cases, the street children are subjected to all forms of societal ills like prostitution, drug abuse and sexual harassment, but we do everything possible to see that there is a roof back on their heads and they are counselled and rehabilitated.
“We on behalf of these children are demanding for one single day for their voices to be heard and for their rights to be given to them accordingly.
“I don’t think that would be a problem for the world to spare that single day for children who live and work on the streets to fight for their future,” said Mrs Mwaurayeni.
Simukai Child Protection Programme caters for all the abandoned, neglected, abused children and those that once lived or stayed on the street by offering food, clothing and temporary shelter to those awaiting being escorted back home after reunifying them with their families.
In collaboration with other partners, Simukai is actively advocating against the inhuman treatment of children living and working on the streets thereby allowing those children a chance to grow, education, choice, freedom and discover their potential.
Earlier this month, four Mutare street children, in collaboration with Simukai volunteers, released two single tracks.
The tracks Tiri Mustreet and Find Me Home summarise their day-to-day experiences narrating what prompted them to get into the streets and live the life they are living.
One of the volunteers from the United Kingdom and attached to the organisation, Arran Doe, said she would market the songs in her country and help raise awareness.
Doe is one of five United Kingdom volunteers who are currently offering their services at the Non-Governmental Organisation.
“We need to give them confidence and tell their whole story to the world. The boys are talented and their talents need to be nurtured. We need to market their music and give them a chance to shine,” she said.
Simukai Family Work co-ordinator Mrs Lucy Mufandaedza said the day was meant to be a reminder to everyone that every child is equal and deserves a chance regardless of the fact that he/she has a roof under his head or not.
She went on to state that society has a responsibility to be an eye for those children who live and work in the streets and should report anything suspicious to the police if these children are being mistreated in any way by fellow citizens.
Mrs Mufandaedza also encouraged Zimbabweans to spare time for the children in the streets and not just pass them as well as name calling and blacklisting them.
To date a total of 2 133 children who were living and working in the streets have been unified with their families by Simukai.
Online Reporter