Don’t give to street children, says I Care

I CARE has received many calls over the last few days regarding a young boy begging at the traffic lights at the intersection of M4 and Argyle Road.

According to Gail Elson from I Care, the boy stands naked, but with a yellow or orange plastic bag wrapped around him. She said I Care knows this boy very well and has worked with him extensively in the past.

“He looks to be about 12 to 14 years of age, but in actual fact he is 22 years old. He has just been discharged from a TB hospital after having spent four months receiving treatment, which was organised by I Care. We have once again removed him from the streets, taken him to our centre in Greyville, showered, clothed and fed him, and taken him back to his family,” said Gail.

She said when I Care met with him on Tuesday morning, he said he was being “used” by four older boys who take most of the money he gains from begging.

“I Care have dealt with these boys as well. Again, we plead with the public not to give these street children any money as it only enables, encourages and prolongs their stay on the streets,” she said.