“They rove in gypsy bands, sleep in construction pipes, in rat-​infested cellars of abandoned buildings or on street corners in miserable heaps. Their beds are torn newspapers, their clothing mere scraps of cloth. Their days are spent in hustling, prostitution and petty crime. They prey upon each other as well as passersby.” Who are they? Street children who inhabit a large Latin-​American city, reports Time magazine. But they could be the homeless youth of almost any major city in the world. There are millions of them, and their number is increasing at a record rate.

Homeless Children​—Who Is to Blame?

By Awake! correspondent in Brazil

ONE night Francisco takes his wife and children to the local pizzeria. In the parking lot, a shabbily dressed boy offers to guard Francisco’s car while the family enjoys the meal. When Francisco and his family leave the restaurant, the boy eagerly thrusts out his hand to receive a few coins for his service. Late into the night on the city streets, children like him struggle to earn a living. They are not in a hurry to leave, since the street is their home.

HOMELESS children are looked upon as the outcasts of society and have been tagged “nobody’s children” or “throwaway kids.” Their number is staggering and frightful​—perhaps 40 million. An exact figure, though, is hard to come by. Unfortunately, however, all experts agree that the problem is increasing worldwide, especially in Latin America. The sight of homeless children huddled in doorways or begging for money is so pitiful that society turns them into cold statistics on a casualty list, shrugs, and moves on. But society can no longer afford to do that. According to UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), 60 percent of the homeless between 8 and 17 years of age use hallucinatory substances, 40 percent use alcoholic beverages, 16 percent are drug addicts, and 92 percent use tobacco. And since they have no marketable skills, they often survive by begging, stealing, or prostitution. Growing up as “nobody’s children,” they are in danger of becoming outlaws, and outlaws are a threat to the security of any community.

The Brazilian newspaper O Estado de São Paulo reported concerning a gang of homeless children: “They have no family, no relatives, and no hope for the future. They live each day as if it were the last. . . . The children . . . do not lose any time: They take, in seconds, a teenager’s wristwatch, jerk off the neck chain of a woman, attack an aged man’s pocket. And they also lose no time in disappearing in the crowds. . . . Sexual intercourse starts at an early age among the . . . minors. Eleven-year-old girls and 12-​year-​old boys come together and then break up the romance in one or two months, with the same ease with which it started.”

Why They Live on the Streets

It is not easy to help homeless children. One report showed that 30 percent of the street children were so scared that they refused to give to authorities any information about their background, not even their names. But why do they live on the streets? Could it be the desire to be independent? This was the case with one Brazilian youth who said that he would not go home again because his father would not let him do what he wanted. However, according to the Mexican newspaper El Universal, the main reason for the high number of street children is abandonment by their fathers. Thus, marital breakdown can be blamed as a major cause for the rise in the number of street urchins.

In addition, some parents are irresponsible in caring for their offspring, beating them, sexually abusing them, throwing them out, or just ignoring them. As a result, the abused or neglected child often feels that he is better off by himself, even on the streets.

Yet, children need loving care and guidance. This was well expressed by James Grant, UNICEF’s executive director. Quoted in an editorial of the Latin America Daily Post entitled “Kids and Tomorrow,” he states: “By the age of three or four years, 90 percent of a person’s brain cells are already linked and physical development is advanced to the point where the pattern is set for the rest of a person’s life. Those early years therefore cry out for protection, both to defend the child’s right to develop to its full potential and to invest in the development of people so that they can more fully contribute to the well-​being of their families and their nations.”

Thus, observers are worried, blaming the economy, the governments, or the public for homeless children. The same editorial continued: “Neither the humanitarian nor the economic case for ‘investing in children’ has made much progress. . . . ‘Economic adjustment’ has often meant that subsidies on food and everyday necessities have been cut back. . . . Coming on top of rising unemployment and falling real wages, such cut-​backs have meant that the heaviest burden of recession has been passed on to those who are least able to sustain it​—the poorest families and their children.”

Without doubt, the poor economy in many countries is another reason for the increasing number of street children. Parents will push their children into the streets to earn whatever they can, however they can. Why, though, is it so hard to solve the problem of homeless children?

Homeless Children​—Why So Hard to Help?

ON OCTOBER 14, 1987, little Jessica McClure became trapped 22 feet [6.7 m] down an abandoned water well in the United States. For 58 agonizing hours, rescue workers pounded their way through solid rock to reach the 18-​month-​old girl. The incident captured the headlines and hearts of the whole nation, and television coverage kept its audience spellbound until Jessica was lifted alive out of the dark hole.

But Jessica had a home. Strangely, though, the plight of children who are homeless does not arouse the same interest. Could the reason be that their condition is linked with poverty? Analyzing the condition of the needy ones, a writer for World Health, the magazine of the World Health Organization, declared: “The poor in the cities are not real citizens of their own countries, for they have no political, social, or economic rights. The poor age rapidly and die young.” Thus, profound changes in the way governments and people view the poor are needed before a country’s economy will provide sufficient food, clothing and housing for them.

How Some Can Be Helped

The ideals expressed in the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child are indeed noble, but why do they seem unattainable? (See box.) Generally, people like children and want the best for them. Besides, children are important for the future well-​being of a nation. In the Latin America Daily Post, James Grant of UNICEF says: “After all, it is the children who must eventually lead their countries out of economic stagnation.” A report shows, continues Grant, “that spending on basic health care and primary education can lead to significant increases in productivity and economic growth.” Countries like Brazil are acutely aware of the negative image conveyed by the condition of street children and related violence. Fortunately, in Brazil efforts are being made to solve the problem by means of charity, foster homes, orphanages, and reformatories.

Some governments are seeing the value of supporting the housing initiatives of poor families and communities rather than simply building houses. In this way, the poor themselves become a resource for change.

Thus, besides receiving assistance from various agencies, poor families should be willing to do their part. A family does much better economically and socially when it sticks together and tackles its own problems. If needed, all capable members can contribute to the family budget.

How Some Have Succeeded

Some homeless children have been able to escape from that condition. Consider the example of Guillermo. Before he was born, his family lived in a small village but because of poor economic conditions moved to the capital. When Guillermo was three months old, his father was murdered; then, a few years later, his mother died, leaving the children with the grandmother. Thus, early in life, Guillermo became a street child. Day after day, for five years, he sought out restaurants and bars, asking for food and money to care for the needs of his family, walking the streets late into the night. Kind persons who got to know him on the streets taught him the basics of personal hygiene and conduct. Later, he was picked up on the street by a governmental agency and put into a children’s shelter, where he received food and schooling. Jehovah’s Witnesses helped him to see that the Creator was interested in him as an individual, and they attended to his spiritual needs. Impressed with the sincerity and friendliness of the Witnesses, Guillermo said later: “Who would help a youth who had grown up practically without direction and discipline? Only the loving brothers gave me such assistance, besides financial help.” Guillermo was baptized at 18 years of age. Now he serves as a member of the Watch Tower Society’s branch office staff in his country.

Then there is João, who while still young was kicked out of his home along with his brothers by their drunken father. But a grocer hired João. Being diligent, João prospered and soon gained the confidence of fellow workers and others. Now he is a happy man with his own family. Also consider 12-​year-​old Roberto. He too was thrown out by his family. He went to work shining shoes and selling sweets, and later he worked as a painter. Willingness to learn and to work helped both João and Roberto to overcome many barriers. They recall moments of anxiety and insecurity as homeless youths, but they were fortified by their study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. These few examples show that children are normally quite resilient and, with the right assistance, can eventually overcome adverse circumstances, even abandonment.

In addition, when young ones receive parental direction in harmony with God’s Word, stable families result, and problems such as abandonment and child abuse do not arise.

Why Man’s Efforts Fail

Nevertheless, the existence of millions of homeless children points up man’s failure to solve this grave problem. The director of a child welfare agency was quoted in Time magazine as saying: “A person with psychological disorders and mental impairment, a sick person​—a sick, fragile population—​cannot act as an agent of development.” The same magazine forecast that as a result of this, one Latin-​American country would be “burdened with millions of adults so undernourished, unskilled and uneducated that they will be impervious to any kind of civilizing process.”

In view of this, do you think that the effects of malnutrition, sexual abuse, and violence can be solved solely by human means? Do you feel that any man-​made program can recover all the street children after they have struggled to survive in the streets among aggressive, ruthless individuals? Can you envision a program for educating parents to act responsibly toward their offspring? Sad to say, human efforts, however sincere, cannot entirely solve the problem of homeless children.

Why? Someone or something is preventing this problem from being solved. Interestingly, Jesus identified a person, whom he called “the ruler of the world.” (John 14:30) He is Satan the Devil. (See page 12.) His insidious influence over mankind is the principal hindrance to solving these problems and achieving true happiness. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Therefore, the removal of this invisible creature and his cohorts is imperative if righteous conditions for all homeless children and underprivileged individuals are to be attained. So, then, can we count on a world without street children and misery? Is there a real, lasting hope for homeless children?

[Blurb on page 6]

‘Who would want to help a youth who had grown up without direction and discipline?’

[Box on page 7]

The UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child:

◼ The right to a name and nationality.

◼ The right to affection, love, and understanding and to material security.

◼ The right to adequate nutrition, housing, and medical services.

◼ The right to special care if handicapped, be it physically, mentally, or socially.

◼ The right to be among the first to receive protection and relief in all circumstances.

◼ The right to be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.

◼ The right to full opportunity for play and recreation and equal opportunity to free and compulsory education, to enable the child to develop his individual abilities and to become a useful member of society.

◼ The right to develop his full potential in conditions of freedom and dignity.

◼ The right to be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, peace, and universal brotherhood.

◼ The right to enjoy these rights regardless of race, color, sex, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, and property, birth, or other status.

Summary based on Everyman’s United Nations

[Picture Credit Line on page 5]

Reuters/​Bettmann Newsphotos

Homeless Children​—Is There a Solution?

PEOPLE who really care for their fellowman do not want to give up as if nothing more can be done for homeless children. They realize that street children need more than a roof over their heads. Children flourish when they have peace of mind, enjoyable work, good health, and self-​confidence. Altruistic men and women offer themselves willingly in the interests of the homeless, and that is commendable. But in spite of their efforts, the problem of street children persists.

The reason is that the present system that perpetuates conditions that produce homeless children cannot be fixed. It is like a broken-​down car that is beyond repair. Realistically, should we not recognize that man’s creativity alone cannot bring about a just human society?

Happily, though, a change is possible​—but not by human hands. Only Almighty God has the capability and the wisdom to eliminate entirely what is hurtful on earth. His Word, the Bible, tells us about administration by his heavenly Kingdom and how it will fulfill man’s desire for righteous conditions right here on earth.​—Daniel 2:44.

God Cares

Do you think it possible for God to remove the present system and introduce a new way of life? If so, remember that not only man’s salvation but, above all, Jehovah God’s name is involved. Being the Creator, the superlative example of orderliness and punctuality, he assures us that he will act in his due time and manner, and this through his Kingdom. Actually, that Kingdom is not something indefinite and vague but is a heavenly government, able to provide supervision and progressive instruction to deal with man’s real needs.​—Isaiah 48:17, 18.

A homeless child can take to heart the words of David at Psalm 27:10: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” It is also encouraging to know that a low status in the world does not disqualify one from learning about God’s will. Proverbs 22:2 states: “The rich one and the one of little means have met each other. The Maker of them all is Jehovah.” Yes, the unfortunate ones, when sincere, can be sure that Jehovah God is willing to help them.​—Psalm 10:14, 17.

Jehovah is interested in our well-​being and knows how to satisfy our rightful desires. Once he asked the Israelites through the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose? . . . Is it not the dividing of your bread out to the hungry one, and that you should bring the afflicted, homeless people into your house? That, in case you should see someone naked, you must cover him?” (Isaiah 58:6, 7) This is the equality and justice that God will bring about through his Kingdom government. No one will be ignored or treated as though he did not exist. Thus, Psalm 145:19 informs us: “The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear, and he will save them.” Love for God and fellowman will be the principal force to unite the human family. As a result, the problem of homeless children will be solved. No one will be left alone!

Will Man’s Imperfection Hinder God’s Purpose?

No, man’s bad inclinations will not be allowed to hinder Jehovah’s purpose to transform the earth into a paradise of pleasure. Those who are privileged to live in God’s new world, either because they survive the battle of Armageddon, as described in the Bible, or because they are resurrected from the dead to live again on earth, will be encouraged to do their very best.​—John 5:28, 29; Revelation 16:14, 16.

No one who responds will find his work to be futile. His work will be rewarded accordingly. Note, please, God’s promise: “They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full. They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance; because they are the offspring made up of the blessed ones of Jehovah, and their descendants with them.” (Isaiah 65:22, 23) Would you and your family not like to see the fulfillment of those words? And what a joy to know that then you will nowhere find famine, poverty, unemployment, or homeless children!

No doubt, those who presently suffer privations, as the homeless children do, will value more fully the blessings of a happy family and a comfortable home. As we read at Isaiah 65:17: “The former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” Persons privileged to live then will find that adverse conditions are gone forever and that people of all nations, languages, and races will be working together in a loving brotherhood. Family units that survive into that time will no doubt continue to give God glory. Psalm 37:11 says of that earthly Paradise: “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”

How Can You Prepare Yourself for the Future?

Even now, it is possible to obtain life-​giving knowledge and to cultivate desirable qualities, such as love and kindness. How so? Jehovah loves the human family, and through his Son, Jesus Christ, He ‘draws people to Christ’ by contact with His Word and His people. (John 6:44) He also has an organization on earth with a teaching program that can help you to do God’s will so that you can look forward to a happy and meaningful life forever. Thus, the good news of God’s Kingdom is preached to those in need. (Matthew 24:14) God’s Word says: “The one despising his own fellowman is sinning, but happy is he who is showing favor to the afflicted ones.” (Proverbs 14:21) It is heartwarming to know that even underprivileged ones can approach God if their motive is right. The psalmist wrote: “But I am afflicted and poor. O God, do act quickly for me. You are my help and the Provider of escape for me. O Jehovah, do not be too late.”​—Psalm 70:5.

Yes, God’s Word can give you a real hope for the future. Yet, the common use of the word “hope” does not always imply certainty. In Brazil one often hears the expression: “A esperança é a última que morre” (similar to the English “Hope springs eternal”). The idea is to remain hopeful even when there seems to be no basis for it. In contrast, the Scriptures provide solid reasons for maintaining strong faith in God and hope in his promises. We read at Romans 10:11: “None that rests his faith on him will be disappointed.” Such a Bible-based hope will not lead to frustration. Just as the wonders of our earth are real, testifying to Jehovah’s wisdom and love, so the fulfillment of Bible prophecies permits you to have a positive outlook, a genuine hope for the future.​—Romans 15:13.

God’s Kingdom is the real solution for homeless children, yes, for all who love what is right. Acquiring accurate Bible knowledge now will enable you to enjoy happiness and everlasting life in God’s new world. The anticipation of these promises is not a product of fantasy. As Proverbs 11:19 declares: “The one firmly standing for righteousness is in line for life.”

[Box on page 11]

A Temporary Solution?

An outstretched hand from a soulful-​looking waif can tug at the heart. But concerned individuals are at a loss as to how to help a homeless child. In order to feel less guilty, some people will drop a few coins into the child’s palm and quickly walk away. Yet, chances are slim that the handout will be spent on food or shelter. Rather, it may well end up being used to buy drugs or alcohol. Therefore, some civic-​minded adults are giving their attention and money to local government-​sponsored programs that they feel will assist homeless children. Other people believe that a more practical approach is to direct the homeless child to the proper agency for help. In this way, concerned citizens feel that they are trying to make their own community more humane.