RAJSHAHI, June 6, 2024 (BSS)-Concerted efforts of all the government and non-government organizations can be the best way for rehabilitating the distressed children of the society.

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.

Community leaders and development activists made these observations while addressing a roundtable discussion titled "Rehabilitation of Street Children with Government and Non-government Collaborative Efforts" here today.

On behalf of its 'Alokito Shishu Project', Caritas Rajshahi Region organized the meeting with community leaders at a restaurant here supported by the 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 the 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.

During her concept paper presentation, Rancy Rooth Hasda, Programme Officer of Alokito Shishu Project, gave an illustration on the aims, objectives and implementation strategy of the project along with its, so far, achievements.

Community leader Muhammad Shahab-ud-Dowla, Executive Director of Asakta Punarbashan Sangstha Abul Bashar and Junior Programme Officer of the project Faridul Islam addressed the meeting with president of Shishu Suraksha Committee Joynal Abedeen in the chair.

They discussed and devised ways and means on how to make the public aware of the street children's situation and rights along with their contribution to their rehabilitation.

Some of key-issues, including birth registration, safe shelter and their inclusion in the government safety net programmes and increase of budget for them, were also discussed in the meeting.