Violence, Drugs, and Crime — Life of “Origo Child”
Thousands just pass by… noticing nothing
Recently, while rushing to catch my train to another city, I witnessed a troubling scene at the central train station in Latvia, known as Origo station. A police car arrived, and officers forcefully detained several teenagers, pinning them to the ground before loading them onto a bus. Witnessing children being arrested and taken away by authorities left me feeling frustrated and unsettled. Unfortunately, such scenes are not uncommon at Origo station.
Seeking to understand more about this distressing situation, I reached out to some of my students, many of whom have faced unfortunate circumstances related to drug abuse, vandalism, and minor crimes. They shared stories about what they referred to as “Origo children,” shedding light on a grim reality that deserves attention.
“Origo children” are those who have either run away from home or no longer have a stable home environment. Many come from families marked by violence, where parents may be involved in criminal activities or absent altogether. Left without a trusted support system, these children often seek refuge in groups, finding temporary shelter at places like train stations.
In such stressful environments, it’s not surprising that individuals seek ways to escape reality. Sadly, within the Origo children groups, substance abuse thrives. I’ve witnessed children as young as fourteen under the influence of heavy drugs like heroin, their young lives already marred by addiction and despair.
Among the groups of Origo children, two categories stand out based on their substance abuse habits:
- “Buhatayi” — These are the children who primarily abuse alcohol, often to the point of passing out. They wander the streets, scavenging for opportunities to obtain a strong buzz, sometimes resorting to theft or purchasing alcohol illegally.
- “Nariki” — These children delve into heavier substances such as ecstasy, crack, or heroin. Synthetic drugs like spice, once popular due to their affordability, have left many with lasting psychological scars.
To sustain their addiction, Origo children engage in begging, stealing, drug dealing, and even prostitution. They face withdrawal symptoms, extreme pain, and psychological distress, driving them deeper into their cycle of crime and addiction.
Tragically, many of these young souls turn to early and unprotected sex as a means of seeking connection and even survival. Exploited by unscrupulous individuals, they face unwanted pregnancies, disease, and further trauma.
Violence becomes a norm in their lives, a means of establishing order within their fractured society. Gang fights, conflicts with the police, and altercations with the homeless are commonplace for Origo children.
For many Origo children, the future is bleak. Some succumb to overdose or violence, while others end up incarcerated.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there is hope. Individuals and organizations work tirelessly to offer these children a chance for a better life.
From police officers removing them from train stations to host families in the countryside and support from teachers and mentors, efforts are made to guide these young souls away from drugs, crime, and violence.
I believe that the plight of Origo children is not unique to Latvia or any specific locality. It’s a societal issue that requires a united effort to address. While there’s much work to be done, even the smallest acts of kindness and support can make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.
Let’s stand together and fight for a brighter future for all.
With love and care,
Darian
