Street children have the same rights and needs as other children. There are many programmes to help street children:

• Some help with basic needs such as food, clothing and safe shelter.
• Others provide basic services such as medical care, schooling, counselling and sport facilities.
• A few comprehensive programmes attempt to meet all the needs of street children and rehabilitate them back into society.
• Preventative programmes address the reasons why children leave home (e.g. life skills and parenting training).

It would be far better for citizens to contribute to one of the agencies which assist street children rather than giving money directly to these children. Giving food and money at street corners only encourages them to beg. Street children are often used and abused by older people to collect money.