KATIMA MULILO - The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is battling to keep vulnerable youth off the streets, even after rehabilitation efforts.

Senior social worker at Katima Mulilo, Elsie Saushini, told Nampa that some youths appear to prefer to spend time on the streets despite having homes, engaging in begging and other
activities.

The 2023 statistics indicate that the ministry screened 28 youth, aged between 16 and 14, with 80% of them being male. Saushini said they hail from informal settlements.

“These children come from informal settlements like Macaravani East and West and Dairy with single parents, mostly mothers. The fathers are not in the picture,” she added.

Some of the youth live with their grandparents, who may lack the strength and energy to effectively monitor and guide them. Some attend school in the morning, but return to the streets after school to beg for money and food. More children have transitioned from begging to selling small items like sweets, eggs and vegetables for their upkeep, despite being registered for social grants, the social worker noted.

In an attempt to address the rising number of young people on the streets, Saushini said the ministry investigates each case, and explores alternative living arrangements with families
before considering foster homes.

“However, the allure of street life, particularly the financial gains, often draws them back to the streets,” she added. Saushini cautioned about the dangers associated with adopting street life as a lifestyle, including potential involvement in drug and alcohol abuse, as well as prostitution. She thus urged parents to collaborate in monitoring
and discouraging street life amongst
their children. -Nampa