ABHA — The number of children using the streets as a place to win their bread and help their families is increasing. This phenomenon has started spreading in Asir region. Malls, parks, recreation areas or roads are full of children selling traditional dishes. Several of these unfortunate children said that it was need and poverty that have compelled them to work. They started shouldering responsibility from the tender age of less than 15 and in the process have bid adieu to childhood and the innocence attache to it. Their aim is to save some money and help their poor families to meet ends meet. One such boy, Bandar, said his old mother wakes up early in the morning to prepare some traditional foods like bread, Fattah, Al-Ma'soubah and Al-Areekah and other traditional dishes that are popular among the people. He sells these dishes braving the scorching sun. He selects a suitable place where there are many people like hospitals or recreation parks frequented by holidaymakers. He returns home with some money that makes his mother happy. Bandar said: “Following afternoon (Asr) prayer, I return with other products. So despite the exhaustion, scorching sun, its effect on my skin, the looks of pity by passersby and the responsibility I am shouldering, I am happy when I return home with an amount I know will help my family live a decent life. I don't mind even if this is at the expense of my comfort and childhood.” As to the financial returns, another boy, Fahd, said: “I sell traditional foods in one of the malls in the region in the evening after Maghrib prayer till 11.00 pm. My sales reach SR600. I sell foods like samosas. Their availability in a period other than Ramadan attracts many customers. I also sell several kinds of coffee beans and cardamom, which my father fetches from other regions. These products are distinctive. Those who buy these products from me will discern the difference in quality compared to such products in the market. These customers return to purchase more quantities. I have earned a reputation of selling quality products.”
