Children Facing Harsh Realities in Yambio Streets
As South Sudan joined the world in celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the International Day of the African Child last week, many children in Western Equatoria State have been left to fend for themselves. 23 June 2012 Children fending for themselves in the streets of Yambio, Western Equatoria State. [Gurtong/ Joseph Nashion] By Joseph Nashion YAMBIO, 23 June 2012 [Gurtong] – Children pushing carts, commonly known as dagadaga, are a common scene in the state capital Yambio as they seek to sustain their livelihoods in the harsh economic times. A good number of children also loiter in the streets with nothing to engage in owing to the stiff competition for the few opportunities. Gurtong caught up with 18-year- old Paul Misovura from Ezo County who says he lost both parents and was then forced to come to Yambio to look for food and other necessities. On a good day, Misovura says he can make up to 20 South Sudanese Pounds which helps him in feeding himself as well as saving for his rent which costs 50 South Sudanese Pounds per month. ‘’Life has not been easy for me since losing my parents. As a young boy I would want to be like my friends who dress nicely, feed well and go to school but that has only remained a dream”, he says. Misovura says his undertaking has not been without challenges, top being the failure by some clients to pay after delivery of services. He says pushing dagadaga is much better than stealing people’s property and an idle life which involves gambling, playing cards and dominoes and drug abuse. A recent report released by the National Bureau of Statistic indicates that despite having low poverty levels, many Western Equatoria State residents are unable to meet their daily needs. The state government is spearheading campaigns to promote agricultural production in the state through capacity building for local farmers and adoption of modern farming systems in collaboration with partners like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Vision among others. Posted in: Home -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
