SSSK is a small and flexible charity, run entirely by volunteers. We support street children through a brilliant ‘portfolio’ of local NGOs in Africa, Asia and South America, all of which we have personal knowledge of, through students and/or trustees who have visited and seen the work being done. Nobody knows for sure how many street children there are worldwide, and estimates vary widely between 30 and 170 million. Their mobility and the fact that they move in and out of street living make them difficult to count. They are vulnerable, and at great risk from all kinds of abuse. SSSK promotes a positive view of the potential of street children (as reflected in the picture we’ve used) and we want to help them have the same kind of opportunities that we take for granted.

We work with others as members of the Consortium for Street Children. We work through NGOs who treat street children with respect, regarding them simply as youngsters with potential. Our NGOs nearly all try initially to engage children in programmes and activities that they will enjoy, and to offer food, healthcare and a ‘safe space’ to be in. Most street children have suffered trauma and will need support and advice from specially trained social workers. Ultimately the route away from the streets involves a secure place to live, education and the opportunity to join in the ‘mainstream’. One reason for supporting SSSK is that ALL the monies donated from branches and from direct contributions go to the NGOs we support, as the trustees themselves cover all the costs of administration. The main reason that we use the Bmycharity site is that deductions from any monies donated are minimal (and are paid for by the SSSK trustees).