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)