BANGLADESH: DHAKA: STREET CHILDREN

Описание: (19 Sep 1995) Bengal/Nat
In a country with more than its fair share of poverty the street children of Dhaka in Bangladesh live in absolute squalor, abused and looked down on by the rest of society.
But aid groups in the Bangladeshi capital are trying to lift the street children out of their poverty, teaching them to read and write and giving them something they have never had - care and respect.
For thousands of homeless children living in Bangladesh, childhood does not mean loving families and regular schooling.
Most of them living in the capital Dhaka are victims of lax child labour laws. They work long hours in the busy markets as rag-pickers or chicken cleaners.
A number of NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) have taken an interest in trying to rehabilitate these children.
They run camps in which they are taught to read and write, and given medical attention.
Attentive teachers and hot meals help convince the children to leave the markets temporarily and participate in the workshops.
SOUNDBITE:
"In the morning up to ten a.m. I collect reusable waste papers to sell.
From eleven to one p.m. I stay here for NGO study programme. After one p.m. I leave this place to collect waste papers again."
SUPERCAPTION: Hassan, Street Child
For many, it's the first time in their lives they are treated with care and respect.
Most of the teenage girls here have lived through agonising experiences and are victims of sexual abuse.
A few NGOs provide legal advice as well. But most cases of sexual abuse go without convictions due to lack of evidence and the nomadic lifestyle of the victims.
SOUNDBITE:
"Specially for the girl child still I would say that there is sexual abuse going on and there are many cases we found that especially the girl child, even the teenage are sexually abused. But what we can do? We can get the medical treatment , make advocacy against that and have a meeting in the community. If it is proved medically that particular girls have been sexually abused and the person is known then we go to law to take action."
SUPERCAPTION: Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, Project Director, Terre Des Hommes
Some rehabilitation centres also provide hostel facilities for homeless girls. Most of them grew up on the streets of Dhaka picking up waste paper and selling polythene bags.
The NGO provides a safer place than the streets of Dhaka.
SOUNDBITE:
"No one will keep me. Where will I go? I have no place to go."
SUPERCAPTION: Salma, Street Kid
The rehabilitation efforts have given hundreds of Dhaka's street urchins an opportunity to enjoy some of the wonders of childhood.
For them these camps are a constant marvel of new discoveries and affection.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...