WHO amongst you here wants to have children in the future? I know this question comes to you early but there are no right and wrong answers here. I, too, want to have sons and daughters in the future. I want them to enjoy all the simplest, craziest and funniest things a child can enjoy – for instances, to play, to learn and to sing– like I did when I was young.
However, coming from a developing country myself, I know that not all children achieved these “hopes” of mine. Imagine your younger brothers and/or sisters, cousins, relatives, friends and even yourself at circumstances like washing clothes at the road side, washing dishes in shops and lastly polish shoes or even begging on the road side.
It’s refreshing to know that a huge number of children are going back to being, well, “children”. However, the first step we can do to help eliminate child labor is to be aware of it and its causes, effects and some of the organizations we can join in the future.
WHEN I was as small, I went to school, play with other kids, and enjoy life as it is. I didn’t need to think about our family problems or to work, except for house chores. I hate them. Anyway, when I saw these children while coming to college selling flowers or polishing shoes or begging or washing utensils and serving tea or food in any shop, I realized how fortunate I am that my parents allowed me to play and study. I was literally surprised rather the best word would be shocked. We, children, are supposed to be the future of this world.
Now, so what is this “CHILD LABOUR”? Child Laborers are any worker aged less than fifteen years who lack access to education or are involved in hazardous or heavy work
Let me tell you a few examples, there are children (girls and boys) who happen to be the eldest of their poor family and so they have to work for their family leaving their education, fun, and what we call as “life” in our language. Instead of worrying about their arithmetic assignments or the stages of growth of a butterfly, they have to think about their food and the debts she had to pay. They become responsible of their and their family’s lives.
According to anti-slavery.org, 60% of child workers carrying out work for their families are unpaid.
Another cause of child labor are the immoral employers who, to avoid spending more money, takes children as employees. After all, they believe that the children are faster and cheaper; in addition, they are young. Other causes of child labor are inadequate school facilities, not enough resources for family’s basic needs, and any sudden events like an illness, loss of a job and a natural disaster. Discrimination on grounds including gender, race or religion also plays its part in why some children work.
As of now, there are many government and non government organizations that are aiming to helping children. Some of them are Free the Children, Anti-Slavery Child Labor program, International Labor Organization or ILO, United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF and World Vision.
These organizations help raise money to pay the family’s debts and send these children to schools. Some have programs and volunteers around the world; some even in INDIA.
TEN years to twenty years from now, who knows, the world will be welcoming our children. In time we will reflect upon this day and tell ourselves, “I want the best of the world for my child.” Sounds like our Mommy or Daddy, right? We’ll know, but right now, let us face this bigger question: Are we willing to give them, our children, the life they deserve? If yes, let us start now. Close your eyes. See the wider road and take chances. Can you see the children laughing like there’s no tomorrow? Now open your eyes… and welcome to the future.
Thank you for being patient and reading.
$AncHaRi….
Signing off…
