x xf xf xf xfxf x - St Clements University

environmental hazards. In addition to disease and other adverse conditions, street
children must face a public that, although generally sympathetic, is growing increasingly
frustrated with the aggressive tactics used by youngsters. Some children are slapped,
pushed, or verbally abused by citizens on the street.
A few children are also victims of random violence. Even the most concerned citizens
often refuse to give money to street children and encourage them to move off the streets
and back home. Unfortunately, the street is "home" for an increasing number of children.
Beyond the physical damage that accompanies street life, there is a substantial mental and
emotional toll. Chronic malnutrition stunts mental development, as does the widespread
drug abuse that characterizes street life. It is clear that some street children now routinely
use “hard drugs”. In addition, street children seldom attend school for very long,
precluding them from developing the basic skills necessary for life.
All of these problems are compounded by the emotional stress and abuse that go along
with begging, stealing, and prostitution. Even if street children were institutionalized for
rehabilitation, they would still have to cope with the years of trauma, abuse, and sadness
that many have endured. Street life in Kenya is extremely dangerous for children, stealing
their childhood and producing circumstances that can end their lives.
2.7 Factors that deteriorates condition in Sierra Leone
There is no single factor causing the declining quality of life among Sierra Leone’s
children. Moreover, there is no magic formula to determine why children face
increasingly difficult circumstances in the country. There are, however, a number of
conditions and situations widely believed to cause or exacerbate the declining plight of
Sierra Leone’s children. The factors are discussed individually.
41