A street child is any minor or young person who should still be living under the protection of parents but who has made the streets their home. This is a child who does not have the security that is provided by a home. They have no protection, supervision or guidance from any responsible adult.

_{A Street Child begging for alms, often seen around the gates of the university of Uyo}

They wake up on the street corners, and while on the streets, they engage in begging, scavenging through dump sites or washing the windshields of vehicle, and also play. whatever proceed obtained from this activity could be robbed away by an older street child. Such bullying and extortion might result in fights that could end badly. To keep off bullies, some have formed cluster, and such clusters could evolve into a gang with the passing of time.

_{A Street Child paying his dues}

Life expectancy for a male street children after surviving cholera, typhoid and malaria is still short. Their situation offers easy recruitment into cults, gangs or as a tug . And the only jobs opening for such are loading of vehicle and tricycles.
For a Female street child, it's a little more complicated and even more dengarous. Her problem changes as she grows. She is more likely to be sexsually exploited in exchange for food and protection. Some pedophiles might target such as easy pray. Because of the limited job opportunities available for them, they often end up as sex workers.

But how did this children end up on the streets?

• They could be victims of war and other conflicts.
• Death may have set things in motion that results in this children rooming the streets.
• Escape from abuseve parents or relatives could result in this.
• The church has also played a significant role in putting some of these children on the streets, once they are labelled as witches and kicked out by their parents.
• I would personally not include poverty as one of the reasons we have children on the streets. Some very poor parents are still doing all they can to keep their children safe and in their care.

I am happy to be a part of people who have the interest of children at heart, who are determined to care for their children and to create an environment where children can thrive. Steemit kids to me is a reminder of our commitment to our children.

Knowing that this children exist is a first step towards becoming helpful to them.