ISLAMABAD: A two-day National Street Children Conference, themed “I Am Somebody,” concluded today at a local hotel in Islamabad. The conference aimed to address the plight of street-connected children in Pakistan, emphasizing dialogue, action plans, and partnerships for tangible improvements in their lives.
The day commenced with welcome remarks and a recapitulation of Day 1’s discussions, underscoring key takeaways and initiatives. A poignant moment followed with the screening of a documentary trailer titled “I AM SOMEBODY,” produced by Oscar Award-winning Sharmeen Obaid Chinnoy Films, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of Pakistani street children, particularly focusing on two street footballers.
In a plenary session themed “Play for Change – Enabling Street Children Through Sports,” experts elaborated on the transformative power of sports in the lives of street children, citing success stories and initiatives aimed at empowerment and education through sports.
On the occasion, Rana Mashood Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, lauded the efforts of Muslim Hands and pledged significant support for the street children’s football team gearing up for the Norway Cup. This includes logistical facilitation for one month of training and provision of top-tier trainers to ensure the team’s competitiveness at global level.
Another plenary session, “Breaking Barriers Together – Partnerships & Child Rights Advocacy,” highlighted the collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to bolster child protection and opportunities for street children.
The conference concluded with a reinforcement of the “I Am Somebody” campaign, aimed at facilitating the legal registration and school enrollment of half a million children across Pakistan. Bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders including government officials, NGOs, educators, social workers, and child rights advocates, the two-day conference fostered meaningful exchanges for new partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of street children across Pakistan.
The event concluded with a resounding commitment to action, echoing the sentiment that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to thrive and be recognized as somebody.
