Children abandon halfway houses

Children abandon halfway houses

BATAM, Riau: Many street children in Batam would rather be out
eking a living on the streets than spending time at the halfway
houses set up for them by private organizations, Antara reported
on Friday.

The news agency said that one shelter for children run by the
Pembina Asuhan Bunda Foundation looked deserted, with mattresses
stacked up in the corner of a room.

"No children come to rest here," said Andi, a domestic at the
shelter, which is equipped with various facilities such as a
mini-library and a playground.

Antara said the children would rather be out on the streets
working as shoeshine boys, delivering newspapers or simply
begging.

More take to the streets at nightfall, considered the most
profitable time of the day, despite of the dangers, including the
possibility of molestation. (05)