By Roula Chami / At the dawn of a new year, while the world lights up with a thousand hopes, some children remain in the shadows, invisible to hurried glances. Homeless, without tenderness or protection, they face each day the cold, hunger, loneliness… and that deep-seated fear that gnaws at their innocence. But in the depths of their eyes still shines a fragile light: that of a dream, of a stolen childhood they still hope to recover, of a future they wish to rebuild.At the time of assessments and resolutions, only one question is worth asking:What are we doing, as a society, to offer them a bit of security, dignity… and above all, childhood? Who are street children?Street children are not a homogeneous group. Some live completely on their own, others return “home” but spend their days working or begging.They often come from disadvantaged backgrounds, broken families, situations of abuse, or are displaced by conflict.They are children in rupture, excluded from the educational, health, and often social systems. The causes: why are they on the streets?Children end up on the streets for several often linked reasons: extreme poverty, family violence or abuse, armed conflict or forced displacement, abandonment or failure of the institutions meant to protect them. To this is added the absence of effective social policies. All these factors push them to seek refuge on the streets, which becomes their only horizon. The consequences: a shattered childhoodEvery day spent on the street diminishes their chances of a stable, healthy, and dignified future.They risk sinking into an endless cycle of violence, abuse, and exclusion. They are confronted with this harsh and cruel reality: recruitment by criminal networks (drug trafficking, organized begging, prostitution), increased risk of being victims of human trafficking, and manipulation by malicious adults in exchange for shelter or food.They risk fading from the eyes of the world, prisoners of invisible wounds. Deprived of love, guidance, and opportunities, they grow up without hope, without dreams, far from what every child truly deserves.This situation leads to a progressive deterioration of their physical health, weakened by malnutrition, untreated illnesses, and exposure to the elements, but also of their mental health, affected by fear, rejection, loneliness, and repeated trauma.They often develop anxiety, sleep disorders, withdrawal into themselves, or even more serious disorders like depression or aggression.This inner suffering, often invisible to the public eye, digs a chasm between these children and society, making their reintegration and access to a normal life all the more difficult.This rupture also touches education: dropping out of school, difficulty reintegrating into school, and the absence of basic skills, which greatly reduce their chances of a stable professional and social future.Faced with these challenges, these children grow up in a hostile world, without protection, exposed to violence, exploitation, and often in conflict with the authorities. What are we doing? Too little…Faced with the scale of the tragedy experienced by street children, our collective response remains far below the real needs.A few associations act occasionally, but their efforts are scattered, temporary, and lack resources.Real care requires continuous, coordinated actions supported by strong social policies, not just temporary bursts of solidarity.Awareness campaigns exist, but they struggle to maintain public attention in the long term. The emotion stirred is often fleeting, quickly eclipsed by other media urgencies.As for institutions, they too often lack global, coordinated, and sustainable strategies. The State, local authorities, and the concerned bodies have the responsibility to commit to a clear, ambitious social policy equal to the urgency. It is no longer about reacting sporadically, but about acting with coherence and determination. What can be done?To act effectively, we must establish strong social policies: emergency shelter, psychosocial support, and access to education. It is just as essential to sustainably support field NGOs, involve municipalities in inclusive projects, and educate about empathy starting in school. The State, local authorities, and civil society have a crucial role to play, but nothing will change without real political will and collective awareness. For these forgotten little ones who have neither toys nor warmth, but keep within them an immense strength: that of still believing in a better tomorrow.Let us not let their dreams fade.Let us make this year a promise kept, a heart that answers their call.Let us not close our eyes to their distress, but extend our hand to them.For it is by awakening our humanity that we will finally be able to offer them the childhood they deserve.Because a child is a heartbeat of hope in the silence of indifference… Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3654085/admin/dashboard/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen/ Read more articles: https://executive-women.global/en/stolen-lives-broken-hearts-by-roula-asmar-chami/