Street
children represent the end point of a complex
set of factors, which require a multitude of resources
and efforts to address the problem. A situation
that has been created due to the existing social,
political, and economic pressures in society,
needs to be addressed at the root of the problem,
through an attitudinal change.
While meeting both the immediate
and long-term needs of the individual child,
Agape's strategies aim at creating an awareness
of the situation that forces the child onto
the street. We also aim to create a movement
that will challenge the exploitative situation
imposed on the street child, a situation that
has sadly robbed children of their right to
a joyful safe childhood.
However, change is not an
easy process. A change that demands a modification
in attitudes, as well as change in the social,
economic, and political situation, is a slower
process. Policy makers, industry, society, even
the Church, will need to view the street children
with compassion and sensitivity.
This is the only way towards ensuring
a better future for the children, and we strongly
believe that this is only possible through commitment
and perseverance.
Agape's efforts must
be seen as a highway in the direction of ensuring
a life of dignity for street children. But in
the final analysis, it is important to emphasize
that responsibility for the child ultimately
rests with individual parents, teachers, communities,
and the Church. And the sooner that this is
realized, the sooner progress can be made.