Meeting street children

Damon took a morning off from music making to visit the street children’s centre in Bamako

In each of the four economically poor West African countries "On the Line" – Ghana, Togo, Mali and Burkina Faso – street children are among the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in society. It is difficult to know the exact numbers of children involved, but an organisation working with street children in Accra estimates that in Ghana's capital alone more than 11,000 young people are living rough on the streets – and the number increases each day.

Table football getting competitive

The majority of these children lack almost all basic needs – shelter, education, health care, adequate nutrition, economic independence and personal safety. Ignored by authorities and the public, they are often the target for exploitation, threats and violence.It is vital to help these young people make their voices heard and raise public awareness of their rights and their needs. 

The children were keen to show Damon some Malian dancing

In each country, non-governmental organisations are working with street children to meet these and other challenges. On the Line is involved in the launch of the Street Children's Exchange Programme, a regional network which is organising a conference in Bamako in November 2000. The event is bringing together street children's representatives, project workers and the media from all four countries. It will be the starting point for new initiatives to tackle some of the problems street children face.   

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Photos: Greg Williams/Oxfam