Street children have very sad life stories. Poverty, neglect, abuse and despair are the chief components of their lives. They are neglected not only because their caretakers are too poor to provide them with the normal childhood facilities, but also because people in the social ladder think these kids are a nuisance at best.

Several factors force a child, to work on the street. Poverty and the burden of feeding too many mouths often push parents to send their child to find work. Obviously this is not a part time job to earn pocket-money, but a full-time occupation that could make a difference between a family being fed that day or going hungry. Children prove to be an important source of income for the family. They may have to sell goods or resort to begging. The hand-to-mouth situation of living means no health care facility and certainly no education. Procuring food and water everyday is such a struggle, the parents fail to see too far into the future and can only dream of the possible advantages of educating their child.

If the description of this child moved you, you will probably be amazed to know that another category of street kids exists that is generally considered more unfortunate than the one that is referred to above. “Homeless street kids” are completely alone. They have no family and no home to go back to everyday. They are at the highest risk of being murdered and abused. With no safety net to fall back on, these kids are consistently ill-treated and fall into the traps of drugs and prostitution early in life.

Due to lack of protective care that a family might provide, they are very vulnerable to emotional and physical abuse. Needless to say health and education are completely ignored because of lack of funds and proper guidance. Unbearable conditions at home often force these children to flee and live by themselves. While there are many who have no family, there are others who run away from violence or lack of care. For them, home is a place of such fear and misery, they look for livelihood and comfort on streets. However, their search for protection and care fails as most believe they are a threat to society which must be removed.

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that is the essence of inhumanity” – George Bernard Shaw

One of the saddest aspects is the complete lack of understanding many people in the world show towards street-kids. They are mistrusted and looked down upon universally. Instead of seeing them as victims, people turn away from them because of the common misconception that they are thieves. Despite popular belief, research shows all street kids are not into illegal activities. While it is the toughness of life on the streets which breaks their back, it is the moral policing of the society which breaks their spirit.

An attitude change is important. Only when we develop a true understanding of their plight will we be able to work towards removing the “street” from these kids’ lives.

~ by Neha Singh

So what can we do for security was the question in Nicaliving. For me it seems it would take  a paradigm shift.

Processing the disparities of the 'us' and 'them'  in my own mind and it feels so unjust.

Imagine... some families we work with earn $40 a month. What must it feel like to a local with what must seem like an invasion of foreigners on their land flashing around $40 or more just for a dinner for two an upscale restaurant. What must they feel as they see us with all kinds fancy gear that we wave around, obliviously shooting pictures and videos, listening to ipods, playing on our laptops, driving around in new rental cars  (locals always walk or bike). Then we marry their lovely young women and sometimes men. We buy their property and turn it over to millions of US dollars by selling it to our peers. 

This has bothered me long before the crime wave started.

While compassion or empathy won't cure it can help to look at the root causes of the situation. I think we need to look at the whole picture and work with the local Nicaraguans to make their lives better especially if the motive is to move to their country is to live better and often more luxurious lives. Connect with them....  We need to think before inviting them to our homes which even if simple to you will be luxurious to them. And if luxurious to you well, you can imagine what they must think if they are from a hut with dirt floors. Create a friendship on common ground which may mean a walk near the lake, a coke in the park. Don't invite them to places they can't afford then treat them because they can't pay. It creates more division and depowers them.  

We could say we worked hard for our money and can now enjoy the fruits, but they work harder than most people I have ever met and they barely survive. As a matter of fact, many need their children to work to just to survive. If we do good things for them (not just giving them things since this just feeds the cycle, but by actually helping to empower them) this will be recognized and create more natural protection and less division. Our neighbors have the power to naturally protect us or not.  If they see us in trouble, they can help or not. If they see our home being robbed they can call the police or not. One night as dusk was approaching as I reached my door a man on glue jumped out of no where and blocked my door. My heart jumped.  My hands trembled as I asked him to move. Luckily a gentlemen who had been walking next to me for some time with his young daughter came to my rescue and literally forced the man to move so I could enter. He waited until I was safely inside. I wonder if this type kindness will continue if we 'gringos' continue in the manner we are.

I think bridging the gap as a community of expats is the most effective way. I recommend when moving to any country to learn the language, the subtleties unspoken language, stay humble, thoughtful, walk in others shoes mentally day after day, don't give money since that only will make you an ATM not a friend. Make your presence a worthwhile one and not one to be resented. Know them as people who have much to offer us if we can only take the time to take in their richness. 

~ by Kathy Adams / photo by Leslie Alsheimer, Santa Fe Digital Darkroom 

EI started in 1998 as a Costa Rican non-profit organization. Soon after, it expanded to Nicaragua.

EI's approach addresses the root cause and the plight of many street children in the slums (‘barrios’) in both countries.

Street children generally come from poor families. They cannot attend school even where public education is free due to lack of funds for mandatory uniforms and school supplies. They also lack emotional support from their families. Instead of being educated, they are sent out to work on the streets selling fruits, vegetables, and trinkets.

EI reverses this trend by working with the children and their families to enable them to attend school. We provide financial and emotional support.

When these children receive an education, they are able to stay off the streets, find better jobs, and eventually break the cycle of poverty that has haunted their families for generations.