It has been brought to my attention that the number of children vending on the streets has reached an alarming level. It is as if the number is doubling. What is even more troubling is the fact that these children can be seen during school hours 'higglering'.

Where are the parents of these children? Doesn't our country enforce the laws relating to child labour? Children have the right to an education and when they have to be 'hustling' during school hours - where does the school come in? Something must be done urgently in order to stop the exploitation of our youths.

May I encourage law-enforcement personnel to be more vigilant regarding street children. The children's advocate should look into this matter and work to remedy this disease that has become a pandemic among the nation's children.

I am, etc.,

Kaydia King

knr_eternity@yahoo.com

Manchester