On April 12th, we have a day to step back and reflect on the lives of the street children of the world. Today is International Day for Street Children, a day especially dedicated to the children who spend their time surviving, running, hiding, chasing, but still dreaming…. Today is the day to say STOP!

The reality of daily life for the hundreds of thousands of children in Kolkata alone who live on the streets is quite simply not good enough. Every child born into the  world deserves the opportunity to experience childhood.  Every child deserves to see what it’s like to be carefree and not constantly worrying if they can find food or if their siblings are OK or if their parents are OK. They also worry about finding work and  if they will survive another night alone on the streets.

TODAY is THE DAY to make a difference.

Minister for Housing, Jan O’ Sullivan was joined by Jacqui McCoy and HOPE’s youth ambassadors to make a difference, to step out and recognise the street children of Kolkata who need our support. Jacqui McCoy said: “I have just returned from Kolkata and what I see each time I go there is the fabulous work of HOPE but sadly also the children who still need our help. We can make a difference if we come together as a unit. We can change the lives of so many children in the world… we have a responsibility to these children who have no adults in their lives. Please help us to help them”