Street kids go camping<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Around 200 young scavengers, street singers and
\nvendors from various parts of the city are taking a break from
\nwork for a three-day camping holiday.<\/p>\n
Boarding hired Metro Mini buses, the street children from
\nBantar Gebang in Bekasi, Cakung and Penas in East Jakarta and
\nother areas came to Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, yesterday.
\nChildren from Bandung, West Java, were also expected.<\/p>\n
The event which runs to Sunday called "Kampore," or the
\njamboree of the urban poor, is organized by a non-governmental
\norganization, the Jakarta Social Institute (ISJ).<\/p>\n
The children headed for the grounds where volunteers and
\nsocial workers were setting up a display of the children's
\nwritings, drawings and handicraft.<\/p>\n
Aged six to 15, some of the girls and boys erected tents while
\nothers ran around the green fields.<\/p>\n
"I'm happy to be here," said Harani, a scavenger and third-
\ngrade elementary drop-out from Cakung.<\/p>\n
"I can look for money some other time," she said.<\/p>\n
Each participant had saved up to pay the Rp 1,000 needed to
\njoin the fun.<\/p>\n
Anton Pradjasto, the chairman of the organizing committee,
\nsaid the aim of the event is to get street children from various
\nareas to get to know each other, and to share their troubles.<\/p>\n
The schedule also included performances by the kids.<\/p>\n
The organizers said they also hope to collect the children's
\nfeelings, thoughts and hopes, into a resolution for an
\ninternational congress on children planned later this year.<\/p>\n
The Institute has a half-way house for street children in
\nJatinegara, East Jakarta. Volunteers also visit the places where
\nthe children work once or twice a week.<\/p>\n
Susilo, another organizer, said the jamboree is also part of
\na continuous effort to make the parents aware of the young
\nworkers' needs as children.<\/p>\n
"They become old before they grow up," Susilo said. Education
\ncomes second to working, as the children's share of the family's
\ndaily income is large.<\/p>\n
Street singers and scavengers can earn around Rp 5,000 or more
\nper day.<\/p>\n
Susilo said many parents still keep their children away from
\nsuch activities, fearing their earnings will be reduced.<\/p>\n
"We couldn't get the young scavengers from Prumpung, North
\nJakarta, to attend this camp," he said. (anr)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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