By Oginni Joy Kehinde.
International Street Children’s Day is an annual event celebrated on the 12th of April. The day was established to raise awareness about the millions of children living on the streets around the world, forced to fend for themselves and exposed to numerous dangers such as abuse, exploitation, and violence.
In Edo State, the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration has given a lot of recognition to street children by involving them in its various empowerment programs, enrolling those willing to be educated in schools, and reuniting 70 percent with their families.
The involvement of street children in Government sponsored activities such as engaging them in schools, skills acquisition, and talent development has helped the state reduce their involvement in criminal activities, and reduced both unemployment and the number of out-of-school children.
The celebration of International Street Children’s Day is usually marked by various activities and events around the world, with many organizations and groups working with street children to organize special events such as art exhibitions, street plays, and educational workshops. These events are aimed at raising awareness about the issues facing street children, shedding light on their pains and struggles, and advocating for their rights.
In addition to these events, International Street Children’s Day is also an opportunity for policymakers and Government officials to take action as the day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of child homelessness and to provide support and protection for street children.
It is also an opportunity to recognize the resilience and strength of street children and to work towards empowering them to build better futures for themselves as well as harnessing these strengths and channeling them toward positive usage
International Street Children’s Day is a reminder that every child deserves a safe and secure childhood. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to work together to create a world where all children can thrive. By raising awareness about the struggles of street children and advocating for their rights, we can help to create a better future for these vulnerable children.
This year, the Edo State Government has called on parents across the state to key into this initiative of keeping their children out of the streets in order to maintain a stable society. Parents are also mandated to report any street child noticed within their environment to the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues at Block C, Edo State Secretariat Complex.
