A former director for Teen Challenge Samoa believes that there is a strong connection between street vending and street beggars.
Pastor Aumua Eric Poe of Christian City Church Apia Central has worked with young street vendors and says eventually they will end up begging on the streets.
He told Samoa Observer that having worked with Apia’s child street vendors, in a bid to rehabilitate them, it was his view that most of the child street vendors gradually become beggars due to their desire for quick cash from members of the public or visitors.
Begging on the streets is more lucrative with beggars collecting up to $90 tālā a day according to Pastor Poe.
“Many of these kids are not in town to vend now but to beg and again, these are all impacts of being exposed to the streets at young ages,” he said.
Looking to the future, he said he has fears about the increasing numbers and that authorities should intervene and address it.
Photo: Samoa Observer
