Street Kids

The world has an estimated 150 million street children—some as young as six years old. On the streets they fall victim to violence and abuse, and are unable to attend school or learn a trade. They work begging, picking up trash, as porters, in markets, washing cars. Unable to continue in school or earn a decent living, and entirely without adult guidance, many are driven into crime and prostitution.

This visual journey covers the spectrum—violence to hope. The pictures were taken in Bangladesh, India, Honduras, and Brazil over a period of four years (1999-2003); and in Romania during 1994.

© 2024 Stephen Shames / POLARIS PORTFOLIO