'Child labourer' refers to a child involved in paid and unpaid forms of work. The nature of the work may or may not be harmful, but it compromises their physical, cognitive, psychosocial and educational development in the long run.
Currently, almost one in ten children worldwide are engaged in child labour (un.org, 2023). The exploitation of their innocent young minds robs them of their childhood and potential, undermining all our efforts to achieve sustainable progress.
Thus, Target 8.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals demands an end to child labour in all its forms by 2025. However, the pandemic has plunged more families into poverty, leaving millions more children with no other alternative.
Therefore, the time is ripe for decisive action!
NGOs against child labour
Addressing the complexities of child labour requires a multi-faceted approach, which brings NGOs working for child rights to the forefront of the battle. They deploy dedicated and well-researched methods to formulate sustainable solutions to the pressing social issue.
• They identify child labourers, rescue them and enrol them in comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.
• They raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms and collaborate with governments, businesses and individuals to create a society where every child can flourish.
• They understand that sustainable change requires community involvement. Thus, they actively engage with parents, teachers and local stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Through skill development programmes and vocational training, they empower communities to create better livelihood opportunities, reducing the need for child labour.
• They aid the implementation of government schemes such as providing free meals for education, thus incentivising children and their families to choose school over labour.
Some NGOs doing phenomenal work on this front are CRY - Child Rights and You, Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Hand in Hand India, UNICEF, Smile Foundation and Don Bosco Balprafulta. You can join the fight by donating or volunteering with these NGOs.
Support NGOs to liberate children from the shackles of child labour
By addressing the interlinked issues of hunger, education and community empowerment, NGOs serve as guiding light, illuminating the path towards a future where every child is free to dream, learn and grow. But the battle against child labour is complex and requires a collective effort.
So, let us unite and support the NGOs striving tirelessly to cherish and protect the innocence and potential of every child. You can take the first step today by contributing to feed the children in government and government-aided schools.
By supporting mid-day meals served at these schools, you will help improve school enrolment, attendance and retention, which will liberate them from the shackles of child labour!