This is an initial engagement report from VOICES Ghana.
The team at VOICES Ghana have been trying to understand the issue of Streetism and what help can be offered. Our interactions with some streets kids; in this instance let us call them youths. Because these people are aware of their surrounding.
Street youths were engaged at Okponglo, the National Theatre area. About 20 young people were engaged and all of them were males. The only female we met did not open up to us and maybe because she was injured on her left leg.
As part of the plans we had for 2022, we planned to secure shelter for these young people in the streets. Yet, what we found out meant we had to rethink our project.
First of all, almost all people we met came from far places. Only a couple were born and raised in Greater Accra. However, most of them had a place to sleep at night even though it may not be the best of places. When asked what help or assistance they would need, not even one person mentioned shelter.
Most of them want jobs; sustainable jobs. Some have somewhat given up on their footballing ambitions, but they would not mind taking it up given another chance.
Secondly, only one out of the sampled number had completed Senior High School. The rest where all dropouts, and generally most of them were not interested in going back to school.
There were those who wanted to go back to footballing, others wanted to learn a trade; like driving, barbering, auto mechanics, and some want to still sell by the streets.
This is not surprising as some of the guys claimed they made around 80-100 Ghana cedis on a good day.
The people we met seemed friendly but were not comfortable with some things, like taking pictures with them. They complained that others have used them to enrich themselves by ‘selling’ their struggles and stories.
We were told stories of how the department of Social Welfare mistreated them sometime when they were promised to be taken care of. Others had to escape from charity homes because they couldn’t stand the treatment as about 8 persons were forced into small rooms.
As to why they are not living with their parents or relatives, most of them just wanted to be on their own. They could not stand being under control by their parents or relatives. It is better to be on the streets.
In conclusion, the guys we were willing to meet with us some other time and also introduce us to their colleagues, and we were warned to be mindful of meeting with their other colleagues who may be rowdy.
As to why they are rowdy, we may have to find out on our next engagement with the youths on the streets.
VOICES Ghana is a youth empowerment and child rights organisation based in Osu. Social Media Handle : @voicesmegaphone
