How can human capabilities be articulated and promoted in practice? How can the challenges encountered in its application be addressed? This volume answers these research questions through nine country case studies from the Global North and the Global South.

Governments have traditionally left the plight of street children and working children, who by some counts number over 100 million, to individuals and nongovernmental organizations, including many religious organizations. As a result, there are a multitude of small, uncoordinated, but highly effective projects throughout the world concentrated in urban areas. The 18 case studies presented illustrate the work carried out by these organizations and demonstrate how rehabilitation can be conducted working with and for children. Part 1, "Reinsertion through Education," looks at seven projects characterized by efforts to ensure the reinsertion of street and working children into their families or mainframe society through education. The four projects in part 2 rely on work rather than education in their efforts. Part 3 describes three projects that concentrate on improving the situation of children by teaching them to use the street environment and by capitalizing on their experiences and practical intelligence. Part 4 concentrates on the administration of projects for street children. The case studies are presented without commentary to form a collection of results and ideas to stimulate imagination and interest, particularly among those responsible for government policies. Valid solutions will come only from strong governmental commitment. (SLD)

This brief studies the phenomenon of street children in two cities in Peru. It looks at some of the conceptual issues and, after analysing why children are in the street and what behaviour and which aspirations they exhibit, deals with the policy issues and lessons to be learned. This brief investigates when and why the transition from children on the street (street-working children) to children of the street (street living children) takes place and elucidates how they survive. It explains the fluidity and the risks involved in any type of child street life.