Street children in French-speaking AfricaCEFR A2
20 Jun 2025
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Job Bunana, Unsplash
In 2021 the International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE) reported over 120 million street children worldwide, with about 30 million in Africa. The figure for Africa is estimated to reach 35 million by 2025. The issue appears in many cities and often gets little attention in national development policies.
Several causes push children onto the streets. The NGO Humanium lists poverty, wars, violence, past abuse, exploitation and desperation. In some areas families reject children after accusing them of witchcraft. Local names differ: in Cameroon people say Mboko, in the DRC the word is Shégué, and in Côte d’Ivoire they call some children microbes. These children often work, fight or form gangs and face insecurity in urban areas.
Difficult words
- estimate — say what a number or amount probably isestimated
- poverty — lack of money and basic needs
- exploitation — taking unfair advantage of a person
- desperation — feeling of having no hope or choice
- reject — refuse to accept or keep someone
- insecurity — lack of safety or protection in life
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might street children form gangs or fight in cities?
- What could cities do to help street children and make them safer?
- Have you seen children working in your area? How did that make you feel?
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