A participatory and long-term vision for the re-integration of street children in society is a must, writes Omneya Ragab* "Four Years in the street are enough...I need to feel home", stated twelve years old Tarek. Like so many of the Egyptian children living in street situations, Tarek was driven out of his home due to intensive familial pressures, abuse and torture including economic hardships. Among the estimated tens of thousands children in street situations, 65% escape family problems, 30% are out in the streets to earn money for themselves and their families while 23% are forced to leave by family members . Dreaming of a less painful life, freedom, joy and independence, street life seems to them as the only escape. However, painful reality on the street quickly sets in with its extensive multi-dimensional hardships. Children develop a dichotomous relationship with the street. "I live in the street and I can earn a living on my own without help. I can take care of myself", argued Amer, a sixteen years old . However, like all such children, he clearly misses emotional support, a secure life and a joyful childhood. In most cases, they experience dual perceptions of street life, where they suffer severe conditions but at the same time have no other alternatives. "I have no place to go but the street. When I go back home, I find the same problems that have driven me out, so street is my only home", argued Ahmed, a twelve years old. In 2003, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) declared the national strategy for protection children in street situations and reintegrate them in society. The amendment of the Egyptian Child Law in 2008 is considered one of the most important achievements of the NCCM , as the law changed society's perspective of children in street situations viewing them as children at risk, instead of delinquent children and emphasizing their need for governmental and societal protection. Through the support of the NCCM and international organizations, local non- governmental organizations have been also able to develop more comprehensive programs to adapt and improve the living conditions of children in street situations. In 2006, five local NGOs developed a network in partnership with the UNICEF, to provide a better quality service for children in street situations. The main objectives shaping the network's activities are serving, supporting and re-integrating children in the Egyptian societal fabric. Daily services are provided to children through the network's different reception centers and shelters, where needed nutrition is served, educational sessions are held, psycho-social counseling are developed and recreational activities are also introduced regularly. Outreach services to the children are provided through street work and a mobile unit that aims to understand the culture of children and leaders living in the street as a starting point for rehabilitation. Legal support is also provided through the legal support unit, which supports the children in conflict with the law, who are often convicted as a result of petty crimes. The network is also keen to draw future partnerships with the Ministries of Interior and Justice to ensure the application of the new child law, in order to maintain a better referral system. Education is another main component of the network activities, and is provided for the children through the friendly schools program situated in the NGOs and developed by the Ministry of Education. To date, very few children were integrated into the mainstream schooling system. In order to achieve more effective integration and better teaching techniques, a long-term partnership with the Ministry of Education is required. In addition to education, the children often talk about their desire to acquire vocational skills that ensures future employability. Additionally, the network provides health care services, where trained physicians are available at all the reception centers and the mobile units in order to ensure maximum outreach. In an attempt to ensure a more sustainable health care system, the network is planning to develop a protocol of coordination with the Ministry of Health in order to get its centers cater for the children. Partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity stands to be another cornerstone. It is true that some coordination is currently undertaken between the network and the ministry's social care institutions, yet further efforts need to be directed to the joint implementation of the child protection policies stipulated in the 2008 child law. Given the fact that the support provided to poor families is very fragmented and limited to under budgeted social assistance schemes with poor coverage, the ministry is advised to work on the restructuring of its financial and human resources. It is also required to provide economic and psycho-social support to the whole family with continuous monitoring and a great deal of awareness on values and protection. Although these efforts serve the children in their immediate predicament, a more participatory and long-term vision for children's re-integration in society as the ultimate goal is required. "I want to know...does street produce kids?" questioned Aisha, a fourteen years old girl; "no really...people call us street children? Does the street produce kids" she repeated upon the helpless smiles of the social workers around her. For Aisha and her friends, there should be a life out of the street. * The writer is Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Egypt.
