There are few or no bounds to what a person can achieve, given adequate information, enlightenment (education) and the right opportunities. 'Street' children are not left out of this equation either.

Most times, they turn to vices because that is the only available option they see, and because they have no way(s) to harness the creativity of their minds, at the ages when they are most impressionable and moldable. So they absorb corruptible negatives instead of positives.

What is already a sad plight is made worse by the fact that they do not actually know the magnitude of good in theirselves, or the wonders they are capable of, or even the ability to imagine a world outside of the painfully limited environment the find themselves in. They are robbed of their childhood, and due to no fault of theirs, just circumstances the were either born into, drawn into, or found themselves in one way or the other.

Education is a powerful tool, and the saying, "education is the key", rings true in this day and age more than ever. Education opens pathways, portals to explored and unexplored realms alike, broadens minds and makes for a better future overall, if optimised properly.

Everybody deserves the perks that comes with education, especially equal opportunity. But how can their own share of this worldwide treat reach the street children when they are stranded in, held back by factors not of their making? No space to grow as they should, to experience what it simply means to be a child.

So what difference does education make?

Information, primarily. They should know that the world is way bigger than the streets, and that they do not have to be restricted by their environment. Education shows them that they are just like other kids too, and they can do what they do, and that they are equal in all aspects. Education does that, and lets them understand that the opportunities and environment makes differences, great differences. They know that yes, "I can be an engineer too", "Yes, I can play sports too and go national, even international", "yes, I can follow my passions too". That the cramped life of the streets can be left behind, and they can rise above their backgrounds.

Their creative abilities, their passions, their aspirations, all these do not have to turn to dust. 'street' children, like their counterparts, should experience what it is like to just experience the joys of just being in school. Create memories that do not involve fighting for their lives at every turn.

Like every other person in the world, they deserve at least a chance to explore, to know that there are so many options to choose from, so many places to go, hobbies, interests. Their bright minds do not have to turn like rusted metal, not when it can glitter like gold.

But this can only be achieved with support. Support at every level, from every corner. Education should be made a priority and funds should be channeled into projects executed for the main purpose of education and equal opportunity f

or all.