home / who we are / who are street kids

who do we help?

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. Our respect for street kids, their individuality and their individual experiences have led 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, between eight and 25 years of age, who live in poverty. These young people face many barriers to productive and healthy lives. Some work on the streets, some 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 individuals who strive to better their lives, despite the barriers and challenges they face on the street.