ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what children in street situations in Dhaka value as important and how they protect and promote their livelihoods when living on the street. It argues that despite the assumption of mainstream society, policy makers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), these children are not destitute. The chapter considers policy implications, and also argues that to be effective, sustainable and respectful, intervention has to abandon a focus on children's deprivations often fostered by a strict application of child-rights theories. It explains children in street situations are able to develop, promote and protect their livelihood assets when living on the street. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the main assets of children living on the streets of Dhaka, and of how these children promote, protect and secure their livelihoods. It focuses on what children in street situations have and what they value as important in their experiences of street life.
