Abstract

The voices of minority groups have been ignored for too long! Who are they? Why and how should we listen to them? It is imperative to listen carefully and thoughtfully to the voices of everyone; especially those who belong to minority groups. This article summarized and analysed recent published literature on street children and thus it is not a new fieldwork. However published research unquestionably indicated that there exists a paucity of information which gives an ear to minority, primarily street children. It is crucial that everyone, moreover professionals and policy makers, pay particular attention to and consider the voices of these children; above all when they formulate policies that pertain to their growth and development. Listening is necessary to try to understand the lives and varying perspectives of these children. Although it is difficult and demanding, it is strongly suggested that professionals, policy makers and indeed all citizens, heed the voices of these children to bring about meaningful and productive change because listening helps to properly identify the needs, the feelings, the goals, the ideals, and the vision of minority groups. Listening also facilitates people to glean a better and clearer understanding of the mindsets of street children on different issues, notably the social, moral, ethical and educational areas and how these affect them. Most of all, listening can render assistance in the formulation of recommendations and the consequent implementation of diverse programmes. Listening will better inform governmental and non-governmental agencies that often establish programmes without the input of the very people they are intended for. Through the process of listening and discernment, social architects would find themselves in a better position to design programmes that would meet the needs of children and in so doing, enhance their standard of living in some of the following areas: social, intellectual, religious and educational.

Key words: minority groups, street children, listening, advocacy.