The Bethlehem Inn
The growing problem of children and adolescents living on the streets is something that touches the hearts of many. These young people congregate in the centre of Montevideo, looking for ways to survive, because they are temporarily or permanently unable to live with their families. As a result they are exposed to many risks in the steets and their rights as expressed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child are vulnerable. It has therefore become necessary to develop actions to prevent or reverse the process of young people becoming "street-kids".
The Bethlehem Inn is a project undertaken by the Human Promotion Department of the Anglican Church of Uruguay. It is situated in the Barrio Sur area of Montevideo. It started work in August 1999 in agreement with the National Institute of Minors (INAME) and with the help of other public and private bodies.
The project is aimed at children, adolescents and also mothers with children living on the streets. These people arrive in different ways, through referrals from other bodies or through personal contacts made by the team working on the streets.
From the perspective of integrated mission , and seeking to identify God's will and purpose for each individual , we endeavour to work with the individuals concerned offering services that will help to satisfy their basic needs and offering a space that guarantees protection and the exercise of their rights as citizens.
Our objectives are:
- To create a space to develop actions in order to prevent or reverse the process of young people becoming "street-kids".
- To reduce the risks faced by young people living on the streets and the vulberability of the children and adolescents that are found there.
We seek the construction of a personal project plan that includes:
- Reinsertion into the educational system.
- Working with others to train the young people for work.
- Exploring the alternatives to living on the street.
- Valuing and validating the daily life and experiences of the young people.
Other themes of the work of the Bethlehem Inn include:
Discovering the creative potential of each individual through:
- Craft workshops.
- Indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
- Group workshops - particularly with the mothers.
Encouraging responsibility by:
- Insertition into educational/work programes
- Development of good habits that promote personal care and good health.
Strengthening links to social and family networks by:
- Working in partnership with the community, other non-governmental organisaions and other social bodies that work with the same groups.
- Exploring family links.
Our hours and services are:
Between 6.30pm and 8am the centre acts as a night refuge and provides food. It offers a programme of activities developed with, and tailored to the needs of, the individuals involved as well as information, recreational space, opportunities for spiritual development and ever increasing integration.