In March 2007, Yvonne Pedersen visited Accra - Ghana and realised STREETISM is on the increase.
On the streets of Accra, she noticed children hawking alongside the roads, cleaning car wind shields, working as bus (trotro) conductors, heard loaders (kayakaya) or begging for money or food at times they should be in school.
This motivated her to research further into why these kids are not in school, but rather out on the streets trying to make a living.
She found out that some of these kids migrate from the RURAL AREAS with the hope of a better life.
Some come from SLUMS, BROKEN HOMES, STREET MOTHERS or from HANDICAPPED GUARDIANS. Others are "RUNAWAY KIDS" from their abusive parents or guardians. Most of these children are vulnerable to drugs, sexual abuse, prostitution as well as vulnerable to abuse of their rights, both civil and economic. Some get sexually abused by adults, or pay for protection from sex abusers with sex, resulting in contracting sexually transmitted diseases and or a SECOND GENERATION STREET CHILD.
Yvonne also realised some of these children are sent onto the streets by adults to whom they return and account to at night. Realising the needs of these children, she took it upon herself to organise a few trustworthy adults to help these children thus the birth of REACH OUT FOR A CHILD. Just like all other children, the streetchild is entiled to education, healthcare and protection. Most importantly the streetchild must be given the choice and opportunity to build their own future.........
