#VSI has witnessed the launch of the guidelines on the minimum standards for handling children in street situations. The document was launched by the Minister of Community Development and Social Services Hon. Doreen Mwamba.
The guidelines will aid the outreach workers, partners, and stakeholders to promote and uphold the rights of children as enshrined in the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022. The guidelines will further address the existing challenges children face on the streets such as begging for alms and addiction to harmful substances.
#VSI has been tirelessly advocating for the removal of children living and/or working on the streets since 2020. To address this complex issue, VSI partnered with the Department of Child Development in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia and have since conducted comprehensive research to identify the root causes of streetism, examining both the ‘pull’ and ‘push’ factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Part of the findings and some recommendations from this study have informed the development of newly launched guidelines.
These guidelines mark a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of streetism in Zambia, and VSI is committed to continuing our advocacy efforts to ensure the protection and well-being of vulnerable children.
