Shashemene — The Office of Labour and Social Affairs Office with the Shashemene town administration in Oromia State said that it has been providing support for 442 street children and orphans in cooperation with UNICEF.

Speaking at a relevant consultative meeting organized in Shashemene town, Office Head, Getahun Zewde said that the street children and orphans got access to education with 372,000 birr provided by UNICEF.

The street children and orphans are being provided with educational materials, clothing and other assistances, he added.

Moreover, the office has constructed 79 residential units for 437 homeless families, he said. It has also offered vocational training to 52 youths, the head said.

Town deputy mayor, Feyisa Regasa said on his part that number of street children has been increasing in the town due to escalating social problems.

He urged the public and governmental as well as non-governmental organizations operating in the town to play their due role in the effort to rehabilitate close to 6,000, orphans and street children.