In every country in the world we will find the same unfortunate situation faced by many young people – homelessness. They might end up the streets for various reasons but the effects are the same: loneliness, depression, alienation, insecurity, hopelessness, and so much more. Most of us feel pangs of sympathy when we see pitiful pictures of young people in such a horrific dilemma; young people who are victims yet often treated as if they are the ones in the wrong… How many of us try to turn those pangs of sympathy into positive action? How many try to make some positive changes in the lives of young people? Many people would like to help but often don't know how..
Another question that needs to be answered is: Why do kids end up on the streets? Can we dare say they are all rebellious, headstrong teenagers who buck authority? Why are they so often stigmatized as hopeless and criminals….. We all share in the responsibility. We all have a duty to help our community and make positive changes. But the good news is that there are individuals and organizations doing great work to help street kids. So where does that leave us? Can we just leave it to the others? Do feelings of sympathy help these kids? No! But contributing to and supporting those who are actively engaged in helping them does. Have a look at the organizations listed below and if they're not in your area then go to your local telephone book and find some and reach out! Help to give the kids some hope.
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Selma Cook is Managing Editor of the Youth Section and
Volunteer Youth Resource Network at Islam Online.net. She has
written a number of books including: Buried Treasure (An Islamic
novel for teenagers), The Light of Submission (Islamic Poetry).
She has also edited and revised many Islamic books. She can be
contacted at: youth_campaign@iolteam.com
