STREETKIDS

~what are street children made of?~

"diri ako naiskwela kay waray namon kwarta." in a sad trembly voice of a six year old girl in the busy streets of TACLOBAN CITY. (i don't go to school because we have no money)

this is one of the major problem of our society today. the competency of some political figures were dared with this matter. some even were questioned with their responsibilities with regards to these children and all the beggars that are visible in every busy streets.

different studies were vaguely drafted and exaggeratedly published. some even says because it is in the absence of the support of the local government or the people that should be handling this kind of issue; some say this is the result of some slaveries that exists; some were from those unbelievable stories like a mother who left his son in a department store.

but sadly some do exists!

GOVERNMENT. some of the politicians promised to serve the poor people. some were promised of an uplifted living through shelter and food, others through education and some through jobs. but the department that is responsible for this issue is capable of helping the unceasingly increasing rate of the numbers of street children?

SYNDICATES. some underground organizations were picking up kids from the rural areas. these kids ages ranges from 4-9 years old. they were being taught to beg and do dramas on street so that people will lend them money, others were even taught to snatch. these kids were headed by a syndicate leader. this scenario is usually seen on movies and some action series.

PARENTS. irresponsible parents were the one to blame. this problem should be considered not a political problem but rather a responsible parenthood matter. some parents could be considered as a HEAD SYNDICATE who has children begging on the streets just to fill their empty stomach.

some of this street kids find a way to fill their empty stomachs while their parents enjoys to play BINGO and POKER with their neighbors. some parents were even worse when they only provide food for themselves alone.

due to lack of education and proper knowledge in family planning they become irresponsible parents. they provide nothing but problems and pure sufferings to the kids. they even struggle to provide food and shelter for their kids, and education is their least concern.

parents defenses themselves as to: "because we are not capable of providing them(their kids) proper education; we can't even afford to buy food; we cannot find decent jobs; and some were just silent and says nothing.

the worse case these parents tries to imply is when way they blame the government with their misfortunes, the inflation, the lack of jobs offered and the programs that will boost their confidence to face the challenge of the world.

in short, they are so dependent with the PROBABLE help that the government will lend them. LAZINESS! as a contributor on their misfortunes is one of the word that fits right to these families and is continuously tolerated.

Back to the little girl whom i chatted with in the street while waiting for the cab, she's thin and pale. she told me that her mother is doing laundry service while her father has a serious disease.

i didn't gave her even a single centavo but she begged and show me a very hopeless face, but still i controlled myself not to lend, so she left and her friends ran to her and thought she received something from me. they ran and were giggling on the streets, they were like birds in the skies that seemed to own the whole place and doesn't mind who they bump with, the streets embraces them and seemed a big playground for them.

sometimes they annoys people. they become obnoxious when you treat them wrong. but are these really what this kids wanted? JUST TO PROVIDE THEMSELVES cravings for food and shelter? or the love, affection and care from other people because they were less cared and loved by their parents?