THE next time you see a child begging on the street, before you put your hand in your pocket to give the child money, ask yourself this question: where are his parents? You may be surprised to learn that most children begging on the streets are not orphans, neither are they homeless. There is no reason why children should be begging on the streets at all. But as long as people continue to give them money, they will continue to beg.
Psychologically, socially, emotionally and morally, begging offers children no hope for their future, and once they get into the mode, it could become their lifetime ambition, they will not seek an education.

Members of the public, who give money to begging children, are contributing to the problem; they have no idea of the broader issue. They are encouraging children to be exploited by the grown-ups who send them on the streets to beg; Some of whom are substance abusers, and others are alcoholics. So while passers-by give their dollars to children, believing they’re doing their part for humanity, they could be helping to feed an adult addiction or enabling the child to partake in a different vice.

For example, a nine-year-old boy was seen begging on the streets, and as per usual, no one took the time to ask him, ‘Boy, where’s your mother or your father?’ Or, no one even said, ‘Little boy, didn’t anyone tell you it’s bad manners to beg?’ Where are you living? I’m going to take you home, is what your mother name?’. No one showed that level of concern. What they did do, however, is give him money; and he used his money to play video games in the arcade every day. Eventually, this became his lifestyle.

Because he had run away before, his father did not inform the police when he failed to return home. The boy was sleeping rough, right on the same premises as his precious video games. He wasn’t washing, or attending school or even eating a proper meal. Every day he would beg for money and spend it on snacks and video games. The CPA eventually caught up with him and his neglectful father. The child is now in protective care and his father awaiting prosecution.

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) has been looking at the prevalence of children begging on the streets and has recently launched a campaign to pick them up and get to the heart of their problems. Most of the children interviewed had a mother, a father and somewhere to live. Each child had their story, but the majority seemed inclined to juvenile delinquency.

You may argue, ‘but what if the parents are not providing for the child? What if the parents can’t manage the child and they have other mouths to feed?’. If this is the case, then the parents need help, and there is always help available. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through the CPA, will work with parents to help keep their children off the streets.

Parents who allow their children to beg on the streets must understand the severity of their actions. They are placing that child at risk and exposing the child to danger. Lecherous people come in all shapes and forms; they wouldn’t think twice about physically or sexually abusing a child, kidnapping, or raping and killing a child; this is the stark reality. Also, some worthless adults give the children money, alright. Yes, they will provide them with a few dollars, good; more money than the average person would offer, and in return, they expect the child to perform certain sexual favours. This is the kind of world that passers-by encourage every time they give money to begging children.

The Protection of Children’s Act (2009) states that parents can be prosecuted and imprisoned for allowing their child to beg on the streets. It is a parental duty to provide for children, not for children to provide for themselves, or their parents. If parents cannot fulfil their duty, they need to seek help. With a little co-operation from parents working along with the CPA, in their child’s best interest, the family can have a better future.

There are things the public can do to help when they see children begging on the streets. If they choose, they can give food to the child: a piece of fruit, pholourie and channa, a drink and an egg ball or some fry cassava? Good nutritional food. Please do not give them money! Members of the public may not wish to get involved so far as finding out the child’s background and where his/her parents live etc., which is understandable.

However, since this article has highlighted the dangers and problems associated with children begging on the streets, the public must inform the CPA of the child’s whereabouts. Child Protection Officers will then have an opportunity to help the child, whose family situation will be investigated and assessed in his best interest. The CPA is working to build a better future for the children of Guyana. You can help in this particular matter. Don’t’ give them money, give a chance for a brighter future.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227-0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,  MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY