Help re-unite street children with families-Dinther

Accra, Jan 11, GNA- Brother Jos van Dinther, Director of the Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS), an NGO in Accra, has observed that re-union of the children with their families was the best solution to problems facing them.

Speaking an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Sunday, Bro Dinther said since most street children have problems with their families, lasting solutions had to be found before the children could return home.

He identified some of the causes of streetism as neglect; single parenthood; truancy; violence at home and poverty. The NGO director stated that from the very onset, CAS, set up in 1993, was of the view that since the number of children and the various social issues were too great, the phenomenon of street children could not be solved by any single organisation fighting for the well-being of the children.

Bro Dinther, therefore, called for a strong networking and collaboration of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other groups to re-integrate the street children.

He stressed the need for policies to control the activities of street children in order to minimize population growth. " Since children, born in the streets grow up without any culture, there must be a law to protect them", CAS Director.

Bro Dinther reminded the privileged in society that since street children were victims of unfortunate situations, they should be accorded all the necessary support to mould them.

He noted that in the short-term, this would help return the dignity of the children so that they could take up responsible positions in society.

In the long-term, however, he said, street children had to be educated in such a manner that they could find suitable jobs and build up their own future.

Director of CAS stated that the NGO's main activity was on the streets of Accra, adding, "we go to where the children are, and while with them we advise and educate them."

Mr Paul Avevor, Co-ordinator of the House of Refuge, a unit of the NGO, said the refuge was the base for activities and support for children who found their way on the streets.

Mr Avevor said the children took part in literacy classes, health education, drama and music, sports and lessons in wood carving, ceramics, weaving and catering.

He advised the public not to treat street children as "delinquents", but as "normal children."