Homeless Children & Adults

Problems for project intervention:
Children living on the street are extremely vulnerable and marginalized in society. They often experience severe violations of their rights and lack access to basic services, putting them at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, and malnutrition. Many turn to drug abuse and transactional sex to survive, especially girls and children with disabilities. Various factors, including structural and individual issues, contribute to their homelessness, such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and family breakdown. When they move to urban areas in search of a better life, they become even more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Many of these children resort to negative coping mechanisms like drug abuse and hazardous labor. They often scavenge for food, beg, or eat leftover food to survive. Unfortunately, they are often stigmatized and viewed as criminals by society.

Since 2002, SDE has been working on a project to support homeless people and street children. The current project specifically aims to improve the psychosocial and economic well-being of street children by providing rehabilitation services and transitioning them to safe family-based care or sustainable independent living after vocational skill training.

Project activities:

Outreach program through professionals to meet children on their terms and establish a trusting relationship through engagement and psychological first aid.
Provide service at transitional care and rehabilitation center (temporary shelter with basic service provision, recreation, and entertainment).
Provision of social and psychological well-being support (life skills training).
Vocational skill training in wood and metalwork.
Family reunification and reintegration service with economic empowerment packages.
Post-follow-up.

Project strategies:

Child-Centered Approach: All interactions with children should prioritize the child's autonomy and be centered around the child's needs and values.1.
Child Participation: All decisions that impact a child's life should be made in collaboration with the child.
Child Sensitivity and Best Interest: The project aims to maximize benefits for children and minimize any potential harm.
Child Empowerment: Children should be supported in understanding their rights and making positive choices about their future and issues that affect them.
Case Management: Ensuring the safety and security of a child will require tailored interventions based on their specific circumstances and needs.
Follow-ups: Follow-ups after the project period are crucial for understanding the current status, learning from past experiences, and improving current interventions.