The Street Kids

The Street Kids

The estimated number of children living on the streets of Port-au-Prince, (Haiti's capital), varies but figures range from 5 to 10 thousand. Shocking? These children live in abject poverty. They have no social programs, no food, no health care, no guidance or mentorship of any kind, and have very little reason to be optimistic.

These children are susceptible to many dangers that other Haitian children are not. Because of the desperation of their situation, these children are often paid by gang leaders to carry out crimes such as thievery, vandalism, arson, and even kidnapping. Yes, kidnapping. It may seem hard to believe but it is true. This is because prime kidnapping targets such as European and North American tourist will be more at ease around a child of 14 or 15; gang leaders will hire the young mercenaries to carry out their dirty work. No one would ever suspect to be kidnapped by someone so young. This is what makes it work.

Amazingly, in spite of the adversity of their situation, the children are relentless in two desires: 1.) to find a place of permanent belonging, and 2.) to receive an education that will allow them to succeed.