This paper describes street children in João Pessoa, Brazil. Participants were 31 boys, 12 to 17 years old, who were interviewed on the streets. All of them were performing some remunerated activity in the informal work-market on the streets. The results showed the existence of a great valorization of working, which starts because of socioeconomic family needs, and little valorization of delinquent acts. The results also showed that these children have a strong desire to study. They believe that studying would be one of the means through which they could become rich. However, because the need to work is one of the factors that prevent them from going to school, it becomes a hindrance to finding qualified jobs later on.
street children; study; work
