The number of street children in Juba is increasing daily, and you can find them on nearly every corner. They beg for food and money day and night. Many of these children may be the offspring of soldiers who disappeared during the conflicts of 2013-2016, which claimed thousands of lives. While some of these children have fled to neighboring countries, those who remain are forgotten by the leadership.
It’s a question that still hangs over our nation: why do our leaders not ask where these children sleep or what they eat? They don’t check on the families of fallen soldiers or the widows left behind. As a result, these children are exposed to untreated wounds, hunger, sickness, and countless other dangers.
Many street children are victims of war or have irresponsible, underage parents who are unable to care for them. These children, many of whom are orphans of the conflict, are now suffering and unable to find their remaining family members.
These children are a part of our community and deserve the same rights as any other child—the right to education, shelter, healthcare, and food. The government has a responsibility to build schools for them and ensure they are cared for when they get sick. They are no different from any other orphans in our country.
It’s difficult to understand what some of the organizations in South Sudan, and even in refugee settlements, are truly doing. They claim to be serving children, but instead of setting up schools for these war survivors, their efforts seem to be focused elsewhere.
Government officials have launched foundations to support women and youth, but caring for street children must also be a special program. This includes providing them with education and healthcare, as they are a direct consequence of the war. The politicians who have kept this country in conflict should be held accountable for this mess. There would be street children in any country, but not on this scale.
I’m calling on the business community, government officials, and all people of goodwill to work together. Let’s build a school for these children. When you see a street child, offer them a piece of clothing or something to eat. Talk to them and advise them to seek a better life.
Political parties must agree to bring total peace to the country. Only then will some of these children have the chance to find their parents who were lost during the crisis of 2013-2016.
May God protect South Sudan.
Be the change!