Street children woes

THE moment we go out and walk down the sidewalks in the city, more often than not, we see street children running and playing around like the city is their own playground. These kids, who unfortunately have been taken for granted by their parents, both pose risks and face danger out in the streets. Some of them engage in criminal activities, like robbery, street violence or even drug addiction. How should our local leaders deal with these unguided juveniles? Zup readers share their thoughts. The problem on street children is one that cannot be solved, only mitigated. No matter how much the government tries, there will always be that problem. But such problem may cause less chaos if street children are isolated into one area. This is not to be discriminatory, but plain practical.— Matthew Allen Tiu, 22, tax advisor I think the government is doing the best it can with the street children, but I guess they don’t have enough facilities to keep them off the streets. A home that is far from the city would help nurture these kids, to give them education and guidance. Hopefully their experience would also help them become better citizens and help other street kids improve their lives, too.— Daniel David Reyes, 23, I.T. student (ACT) / barista There are street children because their parents are unable to take care of them. Their parents don’t have jobs to sustain their needs like food and shelter. I also think that one of the causes why the number of street children is increasing is teenage pregnancy. Our government should give a free seminar to the youth and to married couples who have a hard time making ends meet. The seminar must help them in terms of family planning and employment. —Christian Paul Cayna, 20, advertising arts student (USC) The local government should coordinate with nonprofit organizations that are devoted to helping homeless and hungry children. It would not only help children on the streets, but also foster unity among the locals by forming a network of volunteers. —Kareen Jennifer Quevedo, 20, accounting technology student (USC)