In Pakistan, there are an estimated 1.3 million children living on the streets. The real figures are likely to be much higher as so many children are undocumented, forgotten and invisible. The silent crisis of street children is growing around the world, leaving millions at huge risk of exploitation, abuse and both heavy and petty crime. Children should be living in safe homes surrounded by those that love and protect them. They should be going to school, making friends, building dreams and creating bright futures. But for millions of vulnerable children, poverty and other issues have forced them to embrace a life on the street where they are unprotected, working and fearful of the future.

Many children are begging, or cleaning cars, selling flowers, collecting rubbish or shining shoes. Sometimes, children are targeted by organised crime units and get involved with a life of crime. Some children even turn to drugs to cope. At Children of Adam, we are committed to rescuing street children. Our School Under the Skies (SUS) provide a space for children to get medical care, seek information, play games and learn informally. We operate small, intimate settings creating a safe space for street children. We are establishing a transitionary centre to offer accommodation and security to children who we will reunite with their families, re-integrate into their communities or support them with finding long-term accommodation.