Member-only story

The Street Kids of Our City: A Year in Their Shoes

Robert Reed

·8.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Basic Needs: A Year With Street Kids In A City School

5 min read

354 View Claps

62 Respond

Save

Listen

A Group Of Street Kids Sitting On A Bench In A City Park. Basic Needs: A Year With Street Kids In A City School

For over a year, I had the privilege of working with a group of street kids in a city school. It was an experience that changed my life forever.

Basic Needs: A Year With Street Kids in a City School

by Julie Landsman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1107 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

The kids I worked with came from all walks of life. Some had been abandoned by their parents, while others had run away from home. They all had one thing in common: they were all living on the streets.

Life on the streets is hard. The kids I worked with had to deal with hunger, cold, and violence on a daily basis. They often slept in abandoned buildings or on the streets. They begged for money and food, and they often resorted to crime to survive.

Despite the challenges they faced, the kids I worked with were some of the most resilient people I have ever met. They were always smiling and optimistic, even when things were tough. They were also incredibly creative and resourceful. They found ways to make the most of their situation, and they always looked out for each other.

Working with the street kids was a challenging but rewarding experience. I learned so much from them about resilience, hope, and the importance of community. I also learned that there is more to life than meets the eye. The street kids I worked with taught me that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome with the help of others.

The Challenges of Working with Street Kids

Working with street kids is not for the faint of heart. It can be emotionally draining and physically demanding. The kids I worked with had experienced a lot of trauma in their lives, and they often had difficulty trusting adults. It took time and patience to build relationships with them.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to communicate with the kids. They often used slang that I didn't understand, and they had a different way of looking at the world. I had to learn to be patient and to listen to what they were saying, both verbally and nonverbally.

Another challenge was dealing with the kids' behavior. They often acted out in class, and they were sometimes aggressive towards each other. I had to learn how to manage their behavior without resorting to punishment. I also had to learn how to help them cope with the trauma they had experienced.

The Rewards of Working with Street Kids

Despite the challenges, working with street kids is also incredibly rewarding. The kids I worked with were some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They were resilient, resourceful, and full of hope. They taught me so much about life and about myself.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with street kids was seeing them grow and change. When I first met them, many of the kids were struggling to survive. They were hungry, cold, and often sick. Over time, I saw them blossom into confident and capable young people. They went to school, got jobs, and started families. It was amazing to see how far they had come.

Another rewarding aspect of working with street kids was building relationships with them. The kids I worked with taught me so much about life and about myself. They taught me the importance of resilience, hope, and community. They also taught me that there is more to life than meets the eye.

How You Can Help Street Kids

There are many ways to help street kids. One of the most important things you can do is to be aware of the issue. Many people are unaware of the plight of street kids, and they often turn a blind eye to them. If you see a street kid, don't be afraid to say hello and ask them how they are ng. You can also offer them food, money, or a warm place to sleep.

Another way to help street kids is to support organizations that work with them. There are many great organizations that provide food, shelter, and education to street kids. You can donate money to these organizations, or you can volunteer your time.

Finally, you can help street kids by simply being a kind and compassionate person. If you see a street kid, don't be afraid to offer them a smile or a helping hand. You never know, you might just make a difference in their life.

Basic Needs: A Year With Street Kids in a City School

by Julie Landsman

5 out of 5