As Christmas approaches, the streets of Ghanaian cities come alive with the buzz of festive preparations, shops adorned with colourful decorations, families gathering to celebrate, and the air filled with joy and laughter.

However, amidst the merriment lies a stark reality for thousands of children living on the streets, far removed from the warmth of family and festive cheer.

For many of these children, Christmas is just another day of survival, a day to navigate the harsh realities of street life while others celebrate with gifts and feasts, these vulnerable children face exclusion, hunger, and the cold.

This duality of experiences during the festive season highlights a pressing issue that Ghana must confront the pervasive challenge of streetism.

Understanding streetism

Streetism refers to the phenomenon of children living and working on the streets, often because of poverty, neglect, abuse, or family breakdowns. In urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tema, street children form a visible yet often overlooked part of society.

These children, many under the age of 18, face daily struggles, including lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic needs. Their lives are characterised by insecurity and vulnerability to exploitation, abuse, and malnutrition.

The root causes of streetism are deeply entrenched in socio-economic issues, including:

Poverty: This is where families are unable to provide for their children that often force them onto the streets to fend for themselves.

Rural-urban migration: The search for better opportunities in cities often leads to overcrowding and strained resources, pushing children into street life.

Family breakdowns: Divorce, domestic violence, and the loss of parents due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS leave many children without support.

Inadequate social services: Weak child protection systems fail to address the needs of vulnerable children.

Christmas with street children

While Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can be particularly challenging for street children. The festive season often exacerbates their struggles as they face increased risks of exploitation and neglect.

The cold weather and lack of proper shelter heighten their vulnerability to illness, while the absence of food, gifts, and family leaves them feeling isolated from the celebrations around them.

As Christmas approaches, there is a renewed call for efforts to support the street children of Ghana. Individuals, organisations and government agencies can play crucial roles in bringing and supporting relief and hope to these children during the festive season.

Despite the challenges, the festive season presents an opportunity for individuals, organisations, and communities to come together and bring hope to street children.

AGTV Initiative

For the past two years, Assemblies of God, Ghana Television (AGTV) has made remarkable efforts to support street children during Christmas, organising events that provide food, drinks, water, and gifts. This year, the organisation is calling on Non-Governmental Organisations, community groups, and individuals to contribute to their initiative by donating money, food, clothing, and other essentials. The goal is to host a Christmas party on the streets, ensuring that these children experience the joy and warmth of the season.

Support to street children

Donations: Contributions of food, clothing, and financial support can make a significant difference in the lives of street children.

Sponsorships: Funding the education of street children or supporting schools that cater for vulnerable populations can provide long-term solutions to break the cycle of poverty.

Temporary Shelters: Establishing safe spaces for street children to find refuge during the festive season can address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical care.

Systemic change

While charitable efforts during Christmas bring temporary relief, addressing streetism requires long-term plan.

Government action: Strengthening child protection laws, expanding social services, and directing resources toward combating streetism are critical.

Community awareness: Promoting the importance of child welfare and family unity can prevent more children from ending up on the streets.

Addressing root causes: Tackling poverty, creating job opportunities, and enhancing access to education and healthcare can significantly reduce streetism.

Call to action

Christmas is a time of giving, and there is no greater gift than the opportunity to change a life. As Ghanaians celebrate the season, it is essential to remember those who are less fortunate and take steps to include them in the joy and warmth of the festivities.

By supporting initiatives like AGTV’s Christmas outreach and advocating for long-term solutions, we can give Ghana’s street children more than a meal or a gift, we can give them hope, dignity, and a chance for a brighter future.