The write-up takes off with the theme of child neglect and abuse. We are going to attempt to bring to our consciousness the ugly situation which many young people are going through in the hands of mothers, fathers, husbands, patrons, matrons and even businessmen and women who trade on children.

Many people tend to see issues like child rights and abuse as topics for special projects of wives of presidents and governors which is one of their ways of gaining national and international recognition. Against this backdrop. I embarked on this work hoping that the celebration of the Year of the Child by the Marist Brothers of Nigeria will provide the opportunity to share with you the horrendous stories and effects of abuse on victims. I kept on writing, rewriting and reorganising the work until those who read what I was writing said: "'l'he stories are worth sharing, people may like to read this." 'l'hat is what you have in the pages that follow.

I am writing this so that you the reader will know, and not only that you will know, but that knowing, you can also get involved and participate and finally cry aloud that whoever is keeping the bread of the hungry child should please release it. But before you do that, check your pocket to make sure you are not the one.