RASC News Agency: Residents of Herat province in western Afghanistan affirm a 50% increase in the number of street children compared to the previous year. Mohammad Rahimi, a resident of Herat province, informed RASC news on Saturday, December 16th, that the majority of street children are internally displaced individuals who have migrated from remote districts to the city center.
He added that some street children spend their days coloring people’s shoes, in search of a mere piece of bread. Others resort to begging to cover their daily living expenses. In his perspective, street children suffer from a lack of education and proper upbringing, propelling them into aimless and unproductive activities. This circumstance results in an uncertain future, depriving them of access to proper facilities.
Meanwhile, Mohboob Arbabzada, another resident of Herat province, conveyed to RASC that the population of street children in the city has been steadily increasing, and economic challenges have impacted several families. Arabzada emphasized that most street children act as the breadwinners for their families, a situation that robs them of their future, plunging them into darkness. Qasim, one of the street children, informed RASC that he ventures out from 7 to 8 in the morning to earn some Kabuli Rupees by polishing people’s shoes and contributes it to his family.
He mentioned that on some days, he earns around 40 Kabuli Rupees, and on good days, the earnings can reach 100 to 150 Kabuli Rupees, which he happily hands over to his family. However, Bahram Rajabi, a civil activist in Herat province, conveyed to RASC, “The statistics of street children have been on the rise in various provinces of Afghanistan for an extended period, and Herat province is no exception.”
He added, “Street children, grappling with economic hardship, squander their youth—the prime time of their lives when they could lay the foundation for a promising future. Government officials should adopt a systematic approach to enhance and uplift the lives of street children, who are considered the moral capital of a country, ensuring a bright future for them.”
