The amount of street children and other unmonitored children has grown in Kathmandu Valley. During the past years, the migration from rural areas of Nepal to urban areas, especially to Kathmandu and Pokhara, has caused problems for many people, when their hopes and thoughts have not matched with the reality. Several reasons are behind this migration movement: hopes of earning more, having a better life and provide better education for children are usually factors, which drives people from rural to urban areas.

When the life does not take its expected way, many families end up suffering from extreme poverty. Poor social and economic situation is often associated with low quality of life. Children tend to seek a way to escape and sometimes this way is been found by starting a life in the streets.
In a co-operation with social work students, Samudayik Sarathi is conducting a survey in which street children and NGOs working with street children are interviewed. Key Informant Interviews will also be collected.

The objectives of the survey are:
– To identify and track the amount of street children in Kathmandu Valley
– To examine street children’s backgrounds, social circles, employment and financial situation and substance use and the impact of all these on children’s lives
– By interviews, to examine the factors, which are causing children to start their lives in the street and unwillingness to return home
– To examine current service gaps
– To suggest and put in action measures in order to reach more children and provide services to them accordingly