Supporting street children

The number of children and young people who are living on the streets of the capital, Lusaka, has increased in recent years as a result of HIV/AIDS and poverty. This project is addressing the needs of children and young people living and/or working on the streets in Lusaka.

How we are helping
This project began in April 2009 and will run for three years. Y Care International is working with Zambia YMCA to directly support over 5,000 children who live and/or work on the streets of Lusaka. They will be given food, clothing, medical care and advice and will take part in recreational activities as well as being reintegrated back into schools.

David looking proud in his school uniform. The YMCA helped him get back into school after months on the dangerous streets.

Hannah Maule-ffinch

Specialist support, counselling and testing will be given to children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS and young people will be trained as peer educators in HIV/AIDS to increase awareness on how to prevent the spread of the virus.

Parenting workshops will also be set up to bridge gaps within families and to identify families in need of specialist services (for example, where children and young people may be at risk of ending up on the streets).

A national forum for street children and young people will be established in Lusaka with the aim of raising awareness of the issue of street children and pushing it up the government's agenda.

What we hope to achieve

• The overall goal of the project is to improve the quality of life for over 5,000 children and young people living and/or working on the streets.
• Through the advocacy and lobbying activities, a further 5,000 street children will indirectly benefit.
• The project will help to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate through targeted prevention activities.
• Young people and their carers will be given training so that they are able to earn a sustainable living and advocate for their rights to government.