Under United Nations definitions anyone under the age of 18 is a child and not regarded as a full citizen. Some children in stable loving families have many years in which to develop and reach maturity. But others may have to begin work and learn independence at just a few years of age. Our societies have always had children whose lives are at risk. But as towns and cities grow, as families face more and more pressures, as job opportunities become fewer and societies become less able to cope with the consequences, so more and more children take to life on the streets. Few countries today do not share this growing problem. In South America the problem is enormous.
There are no easy answers. No practical Footsteps articles to tell you what to do! But this issue shares the experiences of several groups, in the hope that ideas may help other groups. If you live in an isolated rural area you may feel this issue has little relevance. But consider your young people. What is their future? How many drift to the cities because there is no work in the village? What part can you play in building a future for them?
Recent visits to several groups who have received Footsteps for many years have proved a great encouragement to me. They have copies kept over many years. It has been interesting to listen to what people have enjoyed and learnt from Footsteps and to observe all the different ideas tried out. Many groups miss out the Resources page because they have no money to buy books. But don’t forget that in nearly every issue some of the items are free!
by Isabel Carter