Street children get a second chance

COSTA RICA — The Bible Society of Costa Rica is aiming to change the lives of some of the estimated 143,000 street children who work the streets of the capital, San José, and other towns.

Working with other agencies who are also helping street children, and with Christian families, the Bible Society aims to use the Scriptures to bring hope and help to young beggars, street vendors and prostitutes.

The main thrust of this project, which is supported by Opportunity 21, is through a special children’s club called Nofetin (Beehive in Hebrew). The children who attend the club, which was launched last June, are encouraged to act as evangelists, taking the Scriptures to other children.

Selected street children will be given the opportunity to learn to read and write, and will hopefully be able to read the New Testament within a year. They will also be helped to develop useful skills that will enable them to build a better life. The Society hopes that some 300 street children can be re-educated through the project.

Run by volunteers the club had 500 children in attendance by September 2000. The club focuses on learning more about the Bible and reaching others through the Word of God. The Bible Society provides Selections that the children can distribute. Following the club’s September meeting it was decided to organise classes for parents to help them teach their children more about the Bible.

The Society aims to distribute Scriptures to 100,000 households where there are children in need. By October last year, 10,000 New Reader Selections had been produced for children at risk to read with their parents.

11-year-old Mauricio Saenz is a club member and said, “The club has helped me to learn more about God.”

By making its contribution to the under-privileged and forgotten people in Costa Rican society, the Bible Society hopes also to prompt other organisations and individuals to do likewise.

to learn more about this project