The Needs

There is much that can be done to help these “children of the street.” The needs are great. The children need positive role models and opportunities for learning, growing, and serving. In order to make this happen the resources are needed to provide meals for the children, equipment, facilities, and school supplies to encourage children with their education.

Statistics

147,000 children in Costa Rica have to work to survive
280,000 children in Costa Rica do not go to school
Bands of young thieves called "chapulines" have reappeared on the streets of San José. The groups of children appearing to be 8-9 years old seem to be directed by adults.
10% of Costa Ricans live in absolute poverty
40% of young females do not attend school
28% of adolescents (ages 12-19) work for wages below the poverty level
San José alone has over 2,000 girls involved in prostitution, many involuntarily, 80% of whom are believed to have been victims of child abuse.

Costa Rica

Footsteps Missions

The Needs

Statistics