People Living on the Streets In Windhoek, Namibia

 

Dear readers, take time to reflect on the issue of people living on the streets. People end up living on the streets for different reasons and some of them are poverty, hunger, and food security. The city of Windhoek has observed an increase in the number of children living on the streets while conducting different activities. These children are seen begging for food or money on/beside the road, selling items, offering assistance services, and some children are seen smoking petrol in containers.

The system in place for helping these children is placing them at the After School Centre, the Namibian Orphanage Home, and SOS Children Home which offers a variety of programs for the children. However, The Namibian Newspaper, reported that the City Police Chief Leevi Iileka stated “We have been experiencing, with great concern, an increasing number of children living and working on the streets. These pressing issues not only jeopardize the health and safety of these individuals but also pose health and safety risks to other residents as they become a threat to public safety.” Therefore, the systems in place have failed to properly address the issue of children ending up on the streets. This is a suppressing issue that requires the attention of Social Workers in addressing the matter. What is your general take on this issue?