Street children in French-speaking AfricaCEFR A1
20 Jun 2025
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Job Bunana, Unsplash
- Street children live in many cities across French-speaking Africa.
- Many families cannot give enough food or money to children.
- Poverty and violence make children go to the streets.
- In some places families accuse children of witchcraft.
- Children sleep outside and form small groups for safety.
- Some groups use drugs or steal to survive.
- Music and local words describe street life in towns.
- Some films and songs show these young people’s lives.
- Many governments do not make it a priority.
- Help from communities exists but long-term solutions are uncertain.
Difficult words
- poverty — A lack of money and basic needs
- violence — Harm or physical force against people
- accuse — To say someone did something wrong
- witchcraft — Belief in magic or harmful spells
- survive — To stay alive or continue living
- priority — Something more important than other things
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen street children in your city?
- Do you think communities can help street children?
- What can people do to help these children?
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