Speaking at the Mayors Cheer Fund party held for socially disadvantaged street children and young adults, Harare mayor Muchadeyi Masunda said the city council recognised street children as an integral part of Harare’s society.
“Our children are very important as they are an integral part of our city. Harare is an inclusive city which caters for all interest groups,” said Masunda.
“The Harare City Council will continue to assist Streets Ahead through the Mayor’s Cheer Fund,” he said.
Streets Ahead is a registered charity which provides psycho-social support to street children and empowers them with life skills which they will use later in life.
The mayor also urged Streets Ahead to maintain a register of street children so that all efforts aimed at assisting them will be meaningfully directed.
Harare has over the years witnessed an increase in the number of street children and young adults living in the streets owing to the economic hardships that have hit hard on vulnerable groups and households.
Government has in the past taken a tough stance to the social problem but has now adopted a partnership approach with street child-oriented organisations to help the children to reintegrate into society.
Streets Ahead provides a youth-centered empowerment method called participatory socialisation which is aimed at equipping youths with skills for survival and enabling them to become socially responsible.
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Musician Mike Madamombe, also known as Mic Inity, made a special appeal to various sectors of society to help remove children from the streets before dishing out a thrilling performance for the gathering.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of these children. We intend to help the children for a good cause,” he said.
“Although funds are opportunity we would want to do more,” said Madamombe.
Two children were called upon giving the vote of thanks, one of whom spoke concisely much to the awe of amazed guests.
“It was a hard time for us this year because the police were arresting us for no reason. We know that God-driven hearts are here to accomplish something,” said a young man who received applause from the audience.