By Gama Hassan Oscas
In the bustling capital city of Juba, South Sudan, an alarming and enduring phenomenon has perplexed and concerned both residents and observers alike – the overwhelming presence of street children. For years, Juba has been grappling with the issue of street children, and despite various initiatives and interventions, the numbers continue to grow. However, an equally puzzling aspect is the apparent disappearance of street children as they mature into adults. The lack of visible street adults in Juba raises pressing questions about what becomes of these street children as they grow older, and it is imperative to delve into this enigma to better understand their fate and address the root causes of the persistent issue.
Street children have been a prevalent sight in Juba even before South Sudan gained its independence. The reasons behind their presence on the streets are multifaceted, stemming from social, economic, and political factors. Poverty, armed conflict, displacement, family breakdown, and lack of access to education and basic services are some of the key drivers that force children onto the streets. Additionally, the rapid urbanization and influx of people into Juba have exacerbated the situation, creating a larger pool of vulnerable children susceptible to life on the streets.
Numerous organizations, NGOs, and government initiatives have attempted to address the issue of street children in Juba. These efforts have aimed to provide temporary shelters, education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs to reintegrate street children into society. While these endeavors have had some impact, the sheer number of street children persists, indicating a need for deeper analysis of the underlying factors contributing to the problem.
The alarming question arises when we observe that, as these street children grow older, they seemingly disappear from the streets. Unlike in other cities, where street children may transition into street adults, Juba presents an unusual scenario – street children appear to vanish as they mature. The reasons behind this peculiar phenomenon warrant a thorough investigation.
One possible explanation for the vanishing act of street children as they grow older could be the harsh and unforgiving conditions of life on the streets. Living without proper shelter, adequate nutrition, and medical care, street children often face a myriad of challenges that can take a severe toll on their health and well-being. The harsh realities of street life could result in a tragically high mortality rate among these vulnerable children. Many may succumb to illness, malnutrition, accidents, or even violence, leading to a significant reduction in their numbers as they age.
Additionally, the transition from street childhood to street adulthood may not necessarily be a linear process. As street children grow older, they may adopt survival strategies that steer them away from highly visible and precarious street life. Instead, they might seek alternative means to eke out a living in less conspicuous ways, such as joining the informal labor sector, engaging in begging or petty trading, or seeking refuge in the outskirts of the city or in rural areas. These strategies could explain why street adults are not as visible as street children in the city center.
Moreover, some former street children may find opportunities to be taken in by relatives or acquaintances, while others might join the ranks of unskilled laborers or informal workers. In these cases, they may no longer be readily identifiable as street children, even though they might still face challenges related to poverty and limited access to education and social services.
It is also essential to consider the potential involvement of criminal networks and exploitative situations. Some street children may fall prey to human trafficking or forced labor, leading to their disappearance from the streets. Traffickers often prey on vulnerable populations, and street children, already marginalized and lacking adequate protection, are prime targets for such criminal activities.
Furthermore, societal attitudes and perceptions might play a role in the vanishing of street children as they grow older. Stigmatization and discrimination against street children may lead them to adopt less visible and more withdrawn lifestyles to avoid further marginalization. The lack of understanding and empathy from the broader society can perpetuate the cycle of exclusion and alienation, making it difficult for former street children to reintegrate fully into mainstream society.
Addressing the issue of street children and their vanishing act as they mature requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, there is a pressing need to strengthen efforts to provide immediate and long-term support to vulnerable children and families. This involves improving access to education, healthcare, and social services, as well as creating opportunities for skill development and vocational training.
Moreover, effective measures must be taken to prevent child homelessness in the first place. This includes addressing the root causes of poverty and displacement, as well as promoting stable family environments that can provide the necessary support and care for children.
Awareness campaigns and sensitization programs are also crucial to combat the stigma and discrimination that street children often face. Fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society will encourage former street children to come forward for assistance and support without fear of judgment or prejudice.
Government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations must work collaboratively to implement comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Engaging with street children and understanding their needs and aspirations is essential to tailor interventions that are effective and culturally appropriate.
Furthermore, efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitative practices must be intensified. Law enforcement agencies should prioritize efforts to identify and apprehend traffickers while providing support and rehabilitation to victims.
In conclusion, the perplexing issue of street children in Juba and their vanishing act as they mature demands urgent attention and action. The disappearance of street children as they grow older raises questions about their fate, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the factors driving them to life on the streets. Combating this issue requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of child homelessness, provides comprehensive support and rehabilitation, and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society. By working together, we can strive to ensure a safer and brighter future for the vulnerable children of Juba, allowing them to break free from the cycle of street life and realize their full potential as valuable members of society.
The author of this article is an advocate and can be reached on email: oscarsgama@gmail.com