It eases their conscience, perhaps. Surely by far the most horrendous fate of the nearly 10,000 Guatemalan street children is the violence that permeates their existence. They live in fear every day of their lives. Were it not for Casa Alianza, the leading advocate of children's rights in Latin America, the carnage would spread. Providing shelter, food, clothing, medical attention and legal aid, Casa Alianza helps children off the streets and back on the road to meaningful and productive lives.
Crisis centers offer the kids a structured and supportive environment.
Transition homes help them develop longrange goals and inspire in them a yearning for an independent and productive life. Group homes, the last step in the arduous journey from despair to selfsufficiency, encourage street children to bond with surrogate families while pursuing other educational or professional opportunities. Finally, at age 18, youths are helped to find independent housing. I have seen Casa Alianza at work. I have rejoiced in its triumphs, mourned those it could not save.