Seek out alternatives to giving money to children begging or selling things on the street
Why is it important?
Children who live and work on the streets are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Sometimes these children are exploited to beg or work on the street by adults. And whilst our intentions may be good, giving money directly to children only perpetuates the problem by keeping them on the streets and making them vulnerable to abuse.
So what can I do instead?
Don’t let your charitable intentions go to waste, or inadvertently make child exploitation profitable. Support enterprises that give youth and their families’ safer employment, donate to reputable children’s charities that work directly with vulnerable children, or support community-based businesses that contribute directly to improve the well-being of families and children. These actions help communities to keep children off the streets and provide them with a more conducive upbringing. Some organisations you could support are below.