Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Beggars, homeless/street children, includes photos

Everywhere we go we find homeless/street children of all ages in Addis Ababa.  Estimated 50,000 to 60,000 street children in Addis alone.  There could be more by now!  They sleep in  groups, or as a loner.  One aid agency said that they were not even attempting to help the children in Addis (though they had an office in Addis!) because they were stretched trying to help the children in outlying areas of the country.  Not all of these children are orphans.  Some have at least one parent.  For a variety of reasons - a parent dies, poverty, the abuse of a step parent, a callous dad, etc., they are either sent from their "home" or they decide it is better to fend for themselves rather than suffer poverty and abuse at home!   We heard that a dad will even tell their child, "What are you doing here eating "my" food?"  They get the hint that they are not wanted.  TIF - "This is Africa"!!!
Street boy sleeping in A.A   Sept 2003

Boy sleeping on sidewalk in Addis Ababa, people walking by...Anyone care?
 
In groups

 Young homeless children



 Street boys 








Street person sleeping in Addis Ababa, close to old man who was begging. 

Women with children and older woman. 











 


Beggars, either homeless and/or don't have work. Many are mothers with child or children,  and elderly people.
 


 
Beggars in Addis 













Beggars in Burayu Mariam, outside of Addis Ababa

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