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who are the world’s street kids?

The term street kids carries with it a lot of connotations – most quite unjustly negative. The term also implies a very narrow spectrum of youth. For years Street Kids International has found it necessary to explain and define the term by addressing the importance of understanding the breadth and individuality of this group and the importance of the issues that face them.  Our respect for them, their individuality and their individual experiences have often lead us to describe them in different ways as street involved kids, youth at risk and street active youth. We recognize the value in reclaiming the term street kids as a valid label, without apology. This term is only negative, if we allow it to be.

Street Kids International works with a worldwide group of young people, who are between eight and 25 years of age, and who live in poverty. These young people face many barriers to productive and healthy lives. Some of them work on the streets, some of them live on the street, and some are at risk of being homeless but are still active in schools or community services.  All of these young people benefit from the practical support of Street Kids International and its partners. 

When we use the term street kids, we use it with pride, respect and recognition for the unique individuals who get on with life every day on the streets despite the barriers and challenges they face.