> Drop-in centre for the street children
The UN reports that an estimated 385 million children live in extreme poverty. A life of poverty is not an easy one, especially for a child. And yet, children are more likely to live in poverty than adults and are also the most vulnerable to its effects.
Children who grow up impoverished often lack the food, sanitation, education, healthcare and shelter they need to survive and thrive. Around the world there are millions of children who spend all of their time living and/or working on the streets. Their life is not easy, their living conditions are very poor, they face violence and often go to sleep hungry. People assume that there are only street children in the poorest countries of Asia, Africa and South American, however, they are found even in the wealthiest nations. In 2005, Unicef estimated that there were over 100 million children on the streets globally. At present, more than 300,000 children live on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, leaving them open and vulnerable to drugs, child labour and sexual exploitation.
READ Foundation established drop-in centres as a safe haven for children in need, in order to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities of living on the street and increase their chances of life. In the centres they are offered all types of assistance, fresh food, psychological help, a safe place to hang around and sleep. The staff are trained and ready to welcome any child and support them in any way they can.
Help us continue providing that safe space. Be the difference. Help now.
> Night Shelter & Drop-in Centres
READ Foundation’s Night Shelter & Drop-in Centres focus on safeguarding street children by giving them a safe space that shields them from the dangers they could be exposed to – especially at night.
Our centre staff also support in educating community members on the dangers posed to children in these communities and, in particular, providing effective psychosocial support for children. Children are also provided with vocational training, giving them a foundation for later life, so they no longer have to resort to child labour or in some cases – child prostitution.
Around 300,000 children live on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, as shown in a study carried out by the UN. Help us keep them safe.
> How you can help
Whether you want to help a child for a month, or a full year, you'll support will have a huge impact in the child's life.
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