WOMEN, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran says their campaign to support children living on the streets is continuing.
She told Parliament this week many of these children have engaged in drugs and are at risk of contracting HIV while on the streets.
“We are reaching out to children at risk living on our streets and with the support of inter-agency cooperation, we’re working on pathways for vocational education and employment,” she said.
“We have found it’s difficult to speak about pathways while they’re on the streets and there is a need for an intervention centre where these children are able to find shelter to receive necessary rehabilitation support.
“This 2025-2026 budget has an allocation of $480,000 to help us construct and operate a child wellbeing centre for these vulnerable children.
“And we’re glad to have an additional budget allocation of $195, 652 to support drug rehabilitation services for these children before they can find pathways in education and employment as well as integration back in their families where possible.”
Ms Kiran said there is also an increase in the number of older people and beggars making the streets their home.
“They deserve a home where they can live with dignity.
“HART Homes has agreed to remodel one of their facilities to cater for older persons.
“This will allow us to find space for older persons living on our streets.”
