Children and urban begging: surviving on the streets

At intersections, near markets, or in front of places of worship, there are many children holding out their hands for a few coins. In Benin’s major cities, such as Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Parakou, child begging has become a visible and troubling reality. Behind these children’s faces lie stories of poverty, family migration, and sometimes organized exploitation. How do these minors end up on the streets? And above all, what measures can be taken to protect them? Find out more in this article.

At certain busy intersections in Cotonou, the scene has almost become commonplace. Children, some under the age of ten, weave their way among vehicles stopped at red lights to ask drivers for a few coins. Others roam markets or residential neighborhoods with bowls in hand. For many observers, this situation reflects persistent poverty in certain communities. 

According to Maurice ANAGO, a sociologist by training and a specialist in social issues, child begging is often a direct consequence of economic hardship within families. “When parents struggle to meet the household’s basic needs, some children are pushed onto the streets to help the family survive,” he explains.

But beyond poverty, several child protection organizations also denounce the existence of various forms of exploitation. In some cases, children are entrusted to adults who use them for begging. These practices, which border on child trafficking, expose minors to numerous dangers such as violence, traffic accidents, exploitation, and dropping out of school. For social worker Marie MONNOU, the street is a particularly hostile environment. “A child who grows up on the street gradually loses his or her educational and social bearings. He or she is more exposed to drugs, delinquency, and abuse of all kinds,” she emphasizes.

The consequences can be long-lasting. Deprived of education and protection, these children risk remaining trapped in a cycle of poverty. In response to this situation, several initiatives have been launched. Local nongovernmental organizations are organizing programs to help these children return to school and provide them with psychosocial support. 

Some organizations are also setting up shelters where children can receive educational and social support. But experts believe the solution lies primarily in a comprehensive approach. It must include efforts to combat poverty, strengthen child protection mechanisms, and raise awareness among families. Because behind every child who begs lies not only a story but also a future that deserves to be protected.