How many street-living children are there in Central America?
Accurate figures on the number of street-living children in Central America remain elusive due to differing definitions and the transient nature of their situations. This variability in estimates among organisations and studies underscores the complexity of monitoring such vulnerable populations. Developing a comprehensive database marks a significant advancement, as it will map the organisations assisting street-living children, thereby enhancing coordination and amplifying the positive impact on their lives across the region.
Street Kids Direct is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and well-being of street-living and high-risk children. The charity has embarked on the challenging task of identifying and geo-locating these children throughout Central America. Launching this initiative in 2018 in Guatemala and Honduras, volunteers from Street Kids Direct have now travelled to Belize. There, they are engaging with government agencies, the national police, the Anglican Church, and an NGO dedicated to safeguarding children taken into care.
Our efforts are beginning to yield an accurate map of where street-living children reside, their numbers, and the organisations involved in their care. Your support is crucial in sustaining this work; together, we can collaborate with other agencies to develop strategies aimed at reducing the number of street-living children to zero.
UNICEF state that: "Belize has a high rate of poverty. While 42 percent of the general population is affected, up to 50 percent of Belizean children under age 15 are classified as poor--58 percent of Belize’s youth under 18 are classified as multi-dimensionally poor."
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