Integrated approach a must for their overall development

Experts at a workshop yesterday said only rescue and rehabilitation cannot ensure the mainstreaming of street children.
They said further collaboration between government and non-government organisation is needed for their social integration.
The three-day workshop titled 'Family and community based reintegration of street children and children without parental care' began at the LGED seminar room at Agargaon in the city.
The workshop has been organised jointly by the Protection of Children at Risk (PCAR) Project of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).
Social Welfare Secretary M A Hye Howlader addressed the inaugural session as chief guest.
He said overall development of the street children is possible if every segment of the community is brought under the umbrella of integrated development approach.
Presiding over the session, Director General of social services department Hafizul Islam Mia said the workshop is aimed to develop strategies and implement guidelines for the reintegration of children of two categories- street children and children without parental care.
"The workshop would be helpful to go ahead systematically and effectively with standard guidelines for family and community based reintegration of street children and children without parental care," he added.
Speaking as chief facilitator of the workshop, Unicef Consultant John Frederick said only provision of education does not necessarily mean the rehabilitation of the abandoned children unless they are reintegrated into the community and society.
PCAR National Project Director Md Iqbal pointed out the lack of adequate resource for the social integration of the underprivileged children even after receiving lifeskills and vocational training.
Around 30 representatives from different child rights organisations and government officials concerned are taking part in the workshop that will end on Monday.