The situation of street children in Benin: a social emergency
The phenomenon of street children is an issue of global concern, and Benin is no exception. Several thousand children live in precarious conditions, exposed to violence, malnutrition and various types of exploitation.
The aim is to take stock of the situation of street children in Benin, analyzing the causes and consequences of this situation, as well as the actions being taken to remedy this social emergency. Recent estimates put the number of street children in Benin at between 10,000 and 15,000. These youngsters, often aged between 5 and 17, settle mainly in large cities such as Cotonou and Porto-Novo.
They survive through informal activities such as begging, odd jobs and street vending. “These children live in extremely precarious conditions, with no access to medical care, education or shelter,” notes sociologist Dr. Émile Comlan BADEVOU. All too often, they suffer physical and sexual violence, and are exposed to the risks of drug addiction.
The causes of the phenomenon
The factors contributing to this situation are varied and complex. Poverty remains one of the main driving forces behind children’s wandering. In many families, lack of financial resources forces children to leave home to support themselves. Similarly, tensions and disagreements within families, often linked to domestic violence or parental failings, push children onto the streets.
Not to mention the fact that the movement of rural populations to cities in search of economic opportunities generates a large influx of unaccompanied children into urban areas. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds or with a family history of poverty are sometimes rejected by their own families, making them more vulnerable to street life.
Psychological causes
The phenomenon of street children in Benin has profound psychological repercussions that affect their development and well-being. For psychopathologist and clinical psychologist Comlan Denis Yelouassi, these repercussions relate to emotional trauma, self-esteem and identity, survival behaviors, social isolation, cognitive and academic development, and distorted beliefs and values.
The truth is, street children are often exposed to traumatic situations, including violence, exploitation and abandonment. These experiences can lead to long-lasting emotional disorders, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These traumas can make it difficult to build healthy relationships in adulthood.
Living on the streets can also seriously affect children’s self-esteem. Precarious living conditions and lack of access to education can hinder children’s cognitive development. The constant stress of daily survival limits their ability to concentrate and learn, which can compromise their future opportunities and reinforce a cycle of poverty.
Street experiences can shape beliefs and values that perpetuate their situation. Children may adopt a pessimistic view of the world, where distrust and survival become priorities, replacing more positive aspirations.
Consequences on children’s lives
The consequences of this situation are dramatic. Street children are often deprived of their fundamental rights: the right to education, health, protection and a family life. This wandering lifestyle also exposes them to various dangers characterized by poor health, including malnutrition, infectious diseases and mental disorders, which are common among these children, who often have no access to adequate care. Many children are victims of forced labor and human trafficking, making them vulnerable to various types of violence. Many children drop out of school to survive on the streets, perpetuating the cycle of poverty caused by lack of schooling.
Urgent initiatives and responses
Faced with this alarming situation, several NGOs, UN agencies and the Beninese government are setting up intervention programs. These initiatives aim to reintegrate children into educational establishments and provide psychosocial support.
Some NGOs offer temporary shelter, healthcare and training opportunities. Awareness-raising campaigns are run to inform communities about children’s rights and the dangers of street life. The government has developed policies to strengthen child protection, including the National Action Plan for Child Protection.
However, resources and implementation remain insufficient. The situation of street children in Benin is a real social emergency, requiring special attention and concerted action. It is essential to adopt a multi-sectoral approach, involving governments, NGOs, families and communities.
Only effective and sustainable cooperation can guarantee a better future for these children, offering them the chance to escape poverty and rebuild their lives. The solidarity and commitment of all are essential if we are to put an end to this human tragedy.