RAJSHAHI, May 16, 2024 (BSS) - Concerted efforts of
all government, non-government and development
organizations can be the crucial means of family and
social reintegration of the street and other rootless
children through their proper rehabilitations.

Street children are subjected to various forms of
repression and oppression by their surroundings and
many of them become drug-addicted and involved in
social crimes due to their vulnerable conditions.

So, utmost emphasis should be given on rehabilitating
them, so that they can be transformed into worthy
citizens.

Government officials and public representatives made
the observation while addressing an advocacy
conference 2024 titled "Protection and Rights of
Disadvantaged Children" here today.

On behalf of its 'Alokito Shishu Project', Caritas Rajshahi
Region organized the conference at its conference hall
supported by Caritas Germany. "Let Us Say Yes
Together to Street Children" was the main slogan of the
ceremony.  
Around 650 children, including 320 girls, coming from
20 slums and other disadvantaged as well as
underprivileged communities and families, are getting
basic needs for their physical and mental development
in the city.

With interventions of the project, they are being
provided various services related to education, health,
food security, nutrition, livelihood, psychosocial support
and protection in Drop in Centre (DIC) and shelter
facilities.

Among the rehabilitated children, 65 joined the
conference showcasing their arts, handicrafts and other
best practices together with talking about their success
stories driving out their respective grim pictures.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and
Human Resources) Tuktuk Talukder and Deputy
Director of the Department of Social Services Hasina
Momtaz addressed the meeting as the chief and special
guests respectively, while Caritas Regional Director
Devid Hembrom was in the chair.

Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control
Alamgir Hossain, Ward Councillors of Rajshahi City
Corporation Muhammad Kamruzzaman and Towhidul
Haque and Consultant of the project Lee Macqueen also
spoke on the occasion.

They discussed and devised ways and means on how to
make the public aware of the street children situation
and rights.
 
Some of key-issues, including birth registration, safe
shelter and their inclusion in the government safety net
programme and increase in budget for them, were also
discussed in the meeting.
 
In her remarks, Tuktuk Talukder said integrated efforts
of all the relevant organisations can be the best way to
rehabilitate the street children.

The government under the prudent and visionary
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been
implementing various programmes for the rehabilitation
of street children.
 
 Side by side with the government efforts, the non-
government organizations and the community as a
whole should come forward and work together to attain
the cherished goal of transforming the street children
into worthy citizens.