Childhood - a time of joy and happiness.

Childhood - a time of joy and happiness, innocence and mischievous pranks, of learning and adventures. When you think of childhood, do pictures of laughing children, innocent games, and comfortable days spent with friends come to mind? These are wonderful memories to be treasured - if you had the opportunity to experience them.

For many children in the world, these idyllic childhood memories will never be realized. The picture in their mind is drastically different…

Throngs of children- dirty hands, tousled hair, ill-fitting tattered second-hand clothes, and empty stomachs. They make their way, gazing around, furtively searching for opportunity. There! A carefree passerby - his wallet will be easy to steal. There! An old woman trading cigarettes and snack food- they need both. The lascivious glance of a man catches the sly glance of a teen girl; to her he is a chance to survive, to him she is nothing-a thing to be used as he wishes.

Street kids know that from the windows of parked cars somebody is watching them. Wary sellers are careful. All are on their guard. Children must early learn the adult rules in the game of survival.

We are the spectators! We are the judges! We are the losers!

But all of this can change if we take the time to rewrite the rules of the game. We have the ability to alter the picture of childhood for these children. We can become an artist of sorts, creating the bright, secure world each child deserves to enjoy. Where there was once darkness a boy smiles, a girl blossoms like a beautiful flower.

Let us embrace the challenge. Let us reach out to these children - grasping their hands and leading them to a place where they can finally find their childhood.

Charitable Organization "Bridge"

Childhood - a time of joy and happiness.