CHILDREN SHOULDN’T LIVE ON THE STREET

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It is home to a large number of street children who are forced to live on the streets due to poverty and other socioeconomic factors. These children are deprived of basic necessities like food, shelter, education, and healthcare, and are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and other forms of violence.

The exact number of street children in Dhaka is difficult to estimate, but it is believed that there are as many as 500,000. Many of these children come from rural areas with their families and migrate to the city in search of work and a better life. However, most end up on the streets, begging or working in menial jobs like shining shoes, washing cars, or selling goods on the streets.

Living on the streets exposes these children to a host of dangers, including violence, sexual abuse, and trafficking. They are often forced to engage in illegal activities like stealing or drug trafficking to survive. They also face discrimination and harassment from the police and other authorities.

PSDI’s mission focuses on serving the rural poor.  However, our staff in the Dhaka office could not ignore the children living on the street right outside their door so they set aside enough resources from our generous donors to provide food for them each day, and began taking time to play soccer with them, and even taking them on special outings when resources allow. 

Our donors also have a heart for these children and have generously provided additional resources to continue to serve up to 50 children who come to the office every day, allowing the staff to also provide medical treatment to those who needed it – and jackets for the winter months.

Perhaps the most important thing the staff in Bangladesh provides for these children is love and respect.  The encouragement and support they receive from our team in Bangladesh are just what they need to give them any hope for a better future.  We are proud of this work and all of those who support it.