Street Children: Lives of Valor and Vulnerability

A study of street kids who survive alone living on the streets, under bridges, railway stations, anywhere they can, to escape abuse and harassment by both their families and the police. The author examines the situation of runaway children in Delhi. The work includes observation and in-depth interviews with street children, child abuse, drugs and family violence. It looks into the reasons why they end up on the streets as well as shares stories of abuse they have experienced both within their homes and on the streets. The description of their daily lives illustrates their especially difficult circumstances. They sleep in the streets and roam them by day trying to eke out a living mostly by doing illegal work. These children are victims of inadequate nutrition, education and shelter and an easy prey to drugs and violence. The author found evidence of sexual exploitation and drug abuse which is often attributed to street children by the media. On the streets, hazards are everywhere: drug-dealing and substance abuse, theft, brutality at the hands of criminal gangs and police. It is not easy and simple yet many manage to carry on, eventually making streets their homes. Considered a nuisance and with no rights, they are at best ignored by the society. The study also demonstrates their resiliency and inherent capacities to move on despite the odds. What becomes evident is that despite their vulnerability. Some children are resourceful and are determined to survive on the streets rather that return to their families. This book is provided for those concerned about protecting ad improving the lives of the street children and it includes information for research and educational purpose. While street children received national and international notice, it has been focused largely on the social, economic and health problems of the children- poverty, lack of education, AIDS, prostitution and substance abuse. Very little attention has been paid to their psycho-social health, and constant violence and abuse from which many children suffer. This often neglected side of street children’s lives has been the focus of this book and it is in this context that the subject of street child labour and its impact on children’s development is investigated.