Every April 12, the world observes the International Day of the Children in Street Situations, a global recognition of the challenges faced by children who are forced to live, work, or spend most of their time on the streets. In 2025, the theme, “The Power of Participation: Creating Spaces for Street Children to Be Heard,” shines a spotlight on the right of every street child to be seen, heard, and included.
While global conversations often center on child protection and education, the International Day of the Children in Street Situations 2025 urges governments, NGOs, and individuals to listen to the lived experiences of children living on the street—and to act accordingly.
The Theme of the International Day of the Children in Street Situations 2025
This year’s theme, launched by the Consortium for Street Children and echoed by child rights organizations worldwide, is ‘The Power of Participation’. This theme hones in on participation as a fundamental right. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them—and this includes children in street situations.
Nevertheless, these young voices are often ignored in policymaking, social services, and even local community discussions. By advocating for participation, the 2025 campaign asks everyone, from governments to grassroots organizations, to foster inclusive spaces where street children have the ability and freedom to actively engage in shaping the services and support systems they need.
Furthermore, the theme calls attention to intersectional challenges, including poverty, displacement, and child labor. When children are invited to participate, their unique insights can lead to more effective, compassionate solutions rooted in dignity and respect.
Why Does This Day Matter?
The International Day for Street Children is more than just a symbolic occasion. It sheds light on the lives of an estimated 150 million children worldwide who live or work on the streets—often exposed to violence, exploitation, and neglect. These children face the everyday struggles to access food, shelter, education, and healthcare, while also enduring social stigma and legal invisibility.
By dedicating a day to their plight, the global community is urged to acknowledge their existence, affirm their rights, and rally behind meaningful actions that foster long-term change. Observances like this push street children into the public discourse, encouraging policies and practices that support their welfare and reintegration into society.
Moreover, this day serves as an opportunity for organizations, policymakers, and citizens to reflect on their roles in creating safer and more inclusive communities. It reminds us that each child, regardless of their circumstance, deserves dignity, respect, and the chance to thrive.
Childhope in Action: Transforming Lives One Project at a Time
At the forefront of the advocacy for children living on the streets in the Philippines is Childhope Philippines. For decades, the organization has delivered programs that uplift street children and support their holistic development. Here are three recent initiatives that echo this year’s theme of participation:
1. MusiKalye 2024: Street Children Take the Stage
Held in December 2024, MusiKalye was more than just a year-end celebration—it was also a vibrant stage for children to showcase their talents in music, dance, and spoken word. The event encouraged self-expression and creativity while boosting self-esteem and emotional well-being. Many of the children who performed were first-time participants, supported and mentored by Childhope’s street educators.
Through MusiKalye, Childhope provided a platform where street children’s voices could be heard—literally and symbolically. It also highlighted the importance of arts in healing trauma and building community.
2. Psychosocial Interventions in KalyeSkwela
Recognizing that learning goes hand-in-hand with emotional stability, Childhope has strengthened the psychosocial components of its flagship KalyeSkwela program. Street educators incorporate group discussions, play therapy, and individual counseling to help children express themselves and develop coping mechanisms.
These sessions are guided by trained professionals and create a safe space for children to talk about their fears, hopes, and life experiences. Participation is key—not only in sharing but in choosing the activities they engage with, giving them agency in their healing process.
3. Health and Wellness through KliniKalye
KliniKalye, Childhope’s mobile health initiative, continues to bring healthcare services directly to children on the streets. In recent months, the program has increased its focus on participatory health education, where children are not just recipients of care but active learners.
Workshops on hygiene, nutrition, and reproductive health are designed to be interactive and engaging. Children are encouraged to ask questions and make informed decisions about their well-being. This initiative ensures that health services are not only accessible but also empowering.
4. Basic Literacy Sessions: Rebuilding Futures Through Education
In areas where access to education remains a major barrier, Childhope’s basic literacy sessions serve as a vital intervention. Through street-based learning activities, dozens of children have developed essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills—many for the first time.
These sessions are often a stepping stone toward reintegration into the formal school system. Children who once felt left behind by traditional education now gain the confidence and competence to re-enroll. More than learning to read or write, this program gives them renewed hope and a path to a brighter future.
These programs are not only service-oriented—they are also designed with participation in mind. Street educators listen to children’s feedback and adapt sessions based on their needs and interests. In doing so, Childhope upholds the very theme of the International Day of the Children in Street Situations 2025: listening, involving, and empowering.
How You Can Participate and Help Make a Difference as Well
Supporting children in street situations doesn’t require grand gestures—small, intentional acts can go a long way. If you’re wondering how you can be part of the change, here are a few meaningful ways:
- Volunteer Your Time: As a volunteer, you can serve as a tutor, mentor, or simply a caring adult figure. Childhope provides orientation and training to help you make a real difference.
- Donate to Fund Critical Services: Your donations help sustain mobile classrooms, health outreach, and psychosocial interventions. Even a small contribution can fund a week’s worth of learning materials or medical supplies.
- Become an Advocate: Raise awareness by sharing stories, statistics, or even this article on social media. The more people understand the issues, the stronger the support base becomes.
- Partner with Childhope: Are you part of a company or organization? Consider launching a CSR partnership or organizing a fundraising event for street children. Collaboration drives sustainable change.
In supporting these efforts, you not only help meet the immediate needs of street children—you also invest in their future, and in a better society for all.
Be the Spark of Hope for Children Living on the Streets
Children living on the street deserve more than just compassion; they deserve commitment, action, and lasting change. Programs like KalyeSkwela, KliniKalye, and MusiKalye are just some of the ways Childhope is striving to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Access to education, health, and psychosocial support are not privileges, they are rights. But these rights remain out of reach for many unless we step up. You can make a difference today. By donating to Childhope, you help provide vital services that empower and protect street children. Your generosity fuels learning sessions, health check-ups, counseling, and much more.
On other hand, you may consider volunteering with Childhope and becoming a part of something deeply meaningful. Together, we can break cycles of poverty and give every child the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, purpose, and hope.
Let’s stand united—because no child should have to face the streets alone.