Open hearts for street children

NESTLED in the heart of Pinetown, the Open Door Crisis Care Centre, a safe haven for people across all sectors of the community, encourages the Highway community to support International Day for Street Children.

“We are known as a crisis and counselling centre and are usually the first place that people in need turn to for assistance. We never turn anyone away,” said Thora Mansfield, founder of the Open Door Crisis Care Centre.

She said that an intake is done – an interview and assessment of the child’s situation – and then an attempt to look for unification, reuniting him or her with their family or friends by working closely with the various child welfares.

“To work with street children you first have to understand them and what led them to become street children. Some issues that contribute to this growing problem include poverty stricken households, community violence or unrest, a general social or economical problem or a dysfunctional family life,” said Thora.

A large group of street children are between the ages of 7 and 17 but studies have shown that majority of the children fall under the age group of 13 and 18 years old. “There are not many female street children as families find it easier to take in a girl over a boy,” said Thora.

According to Thora many street children start taking drugs, move into prostitution and theft, which makes them vulnerable to predators who will then use the street children to their advantage. “It is important that people do not give street children money as it can be used to further their drug needs,” said Thora.

She also said that the children suffer from major health problems, which include malnutrition, AIDS and varying STIs.

“At our crisis centre, we offer them counselling and various therapeutic services, give them clothes and food, but only if they come in for counselling. We provide them with a structured environment. Only one third of street children return home as many of them choose that lifestyle. They also have no concept of time and don’t know how long they have been on the streets for and have very little contact with their friends of family so it becomes very difficult for us to reintegrate them,” said Thora.

If you would like to make a donation to the Open Door Crisis Care Centre contact them on 031 709 2679 or visit its premises at 7 Windsor Lane in Pinetown.

Visit www.streetchildrenday.org and vote for the UN to recognise International Day for Street Children.