Child labour refers to any work or activity that deprives children of their childhood. In effect, these are activities that are detrimental to the physical and mental health of children and that hinder their proper development. 8 million children are working in the “unconditional worst forms” of child labour, which include armed conflict, forced and bonded labour, prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.

The causes and nature of child labour

The factors that contribute to child labour – including “hazardous” child labour –include the poverty and illiteracy of a child’s parents, the family’s social and economic circumstances, a lack of awareness about the harmful effects of child labour, lack of access to basic and meaningful quality education and skills training, high rates of adult unemployment and under-employment, and the cultural values of the family and surrounding society.

Often children are also bonded to labour due to a family indebtedness. Out of school children (OOSC) or those children at risk of dropping out can easily be drawn into work and a more vulnerable to exploitation. Girls, especially those from socially disadvantaged groups, tend to be at a higher risk of being forced into work.

Other reasons for children being forced into work:

Poverty and a lack of livelihood options lead to a child’s “need” to contribute to the family income,

Due to conflicts, droughts and other natural disasters, and family indebtedness,

Rural poverty and urban migration also often exposes children to being trafficked for work.

Child Labour and illiteracy

Child labour stems from the vicious cycle of poverty. Poverty leads to the mentality of ‘more hands, more income’. Child labour emanates from poverty and illiteracy. Poor people are inclined towards having more children. The main premise of having more children is to send the children to work. In economic terms, the opportunity cost of going to school is quite high and thus not an attractive option. For poor parents, losing the advantage of any earnings opportunity open to children, far outweighs the money, time and effort spent towards school education. The benefits of child labour usually outweigh the costs of schooling, for poor parents. As long as this is the case, child labour would remain persistent and pervasive.

The SkoolRoom Team together works in order to curb Child labour. According to the ">SkoolRoom team we can achieve this goal by spreading awareness, sending more children to school, discouraging people to employ children in homes, shops, factories, etc.

Fighting child labour requires a multi-pronged push, and there is a need to make this a people's issue. While officials and government can only institute policies, ignoring everyday child abuse and malnourishment must also be attacked at an individual level, wherever possible - so donate and support this cause. Every bit of help counts in the fight against issues plaguing children’s lives. We stay connected to the schools in order to provide them the required help so as to increase the number of students enrolled.

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