Our work in Nepal
A Life Without Basic Service - Street Children Say
The dominant interpretation of street children is that of passive victims and deviants. Interventions are therefore designed to rescue or remove children from the street and to socialise them into mainstream society. Street children are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, however, street life also offers children access to income and control over day-to-day decision-making. For many, organisations are an integral part of street life not a way out. Therefore, understanding street children as passive victims fails to address the complexity of their situation. In not recognising the opportunities as well as the problems of street life, organisations have been unsuccessful in providing viable alternatives. The way we perceive street children dictates our response to them. The aim of this study has been to gain an understanding of street children's perspectives of their own situation to encourage more appropriate and effective interventions.