Childhood is a time when children should be allowed to grow and develop to their full potential: healthy children in school and at play, growing strong and confident with the love and encouragement of their family and an extended community of caring adults, gradually taking on the responsibilities of adulthood, free from fear, safe from violence, protected from abuse and exploitation. The street children become helpless and are deprived of the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, health care and other supports – psychological and others, needed for the child. In absence of the fulfillment of these basic needs, mere survival of the child becomes impossible and they grow up as unwanted members of the society. Because of the negligence they get from the society, these unaccompanied destitute children grow as child labor, beggars, street arching (street children), shoplifters, pick-picketers, gangsters, low paid domestic servants, and so on. Six Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK)s were initiated by the government for improving Street Children’s Environment and to improve the quality of life and future prospects of street children.  Shishu Academy, under the MOWCA has designed a holistic model that will directly reach 1500 children (250 under each SBK) and promote their education, livelihood opportunities, health care and protection. Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK) being implemented by Shishu Academy aims to improve the quality of life of these deprived children through providing accommodation and food with major focus on education and training. 

Team Members:  Dr. S. M. Zahedul Islam Chowdhury (Study Director), Dr. M. A. Mannan (External Consultant)

Sponsor: The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, GoB