Fatshimetrie, August 8, 2024: A revealing study on the alarming situation of children living on the streets in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, was presented to the public today by a consortium of five local associations. This study, conducted under the coordination of the Provincial Gender Division in North Kivu, aims to shed light on the root causes of the worrying proliferation of these vulnerable children on the city’s streets.
The observation is bitter: despite the efforts of local authorities and relevant organizations, the number of children living on the streets continues to increase, endangering their safety and well-being. Faced with this worrying reality, it is imperative to understand the reasons that push these children to live on the streets, in order to put in place effective and sustainable solutions.
One of the main recommendations of the study is the urgency of comprehensively identifying the number of children living on the streets in Goma. This crucial step will make it possible to better target the actions to be taken to protect these children and offer them a better future. In addition, the creation of support centres adapted to the specific needs of these children is proposed as an essential measure to provide them with a safe and protective environment.
Furthermore, it is essential to take into account the context of internally displaced persons, who are swelling the ranks of children living on the streets. These children, often accompanied by their parents, face major security and protection risks. It is therefore imperative to act quickly to prevent these risks and guarantee a stable future for these vulnerable children.
In conclusion, the proliferation of children living on the streets in Goma is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and concerted approach. By drawing on the recommendations of this study, local authorities and partner organisations will be able to put in place concrete measures to protect these children and offer them a better future. It is time to act together to put an end to this alarming situation and guarantee a promising future for the youth of Goma.