An investigation into the Christian response to street children with particular reference to Scripture Union in Zimbabwe

• Main Author: Katiro, Farai Patrick
• Published: Bangor University 2009
• Subjects: 253
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.516124

The twenty-first century presents a hostile face to millions of children in every African country. Firstly, this thesis examines the response of Scripture Union Zimbabwe (SUZ) to the growing problem of street children. Taking Zimbabwe as a case study, empirical research was conducted in its four major cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo. Since SUZ does not operate a street youth project in Harare, the capital city, StreetsAhead (SA), a long established Non-Faith based street youth project in Harare was included to paint a more holistic picture of the street children situation in the country. Secondly, the thesis reveals that street children experience untold suffering in their families and when they try to seek refuge on the streets, their plight is exacerbated by some of those who purport to help them. Thirdly the thesis explores the challenges and lessons learnt by SUZ and SA in their work with street children. It further proposes some Christian basis for street children work, in the hope of provoking further debate. Jesus' words in Luke 18: 16 continue to challenge all those who are involved in shaping the future of nations by nurturing eternal values in children. Within the context of this Christian principle, street children are presented as the poor, who because of their poverty become more vulnerable, making them dependent upon God's protection. Therefore, those involved with children's wellbeing should view them `as fragile creatures of God who need to be both safeguarded and reformed, ' primarily within the family context. Thus the child's future and very existence are of great concern. Lastly, further avenues of development in the field are explored, focusing on the importance of family environment, vocational skills training and employment creation, thereby empowering children to own the intervention and preventive programmes implemented as a means of finding a permanent and sustainable solution to this problem.