Working Hard IN T HIS A C T IV IT Y, the participants will discuss and
define child labor.
MATERIALS NEEDED
TIME REQUIRED: 20 MINUTES | INTENDED FOR GRADES 3-5
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» Newsprint » Markers
Activity Steps B E GIN T HE A C T IVIT Y B Y A SK ING the participants to call out various types of work they
do, the number of hours they spend doing the work, and whether or not they get paid. As they call out the information, note these details on a sheet of newsprint. Lead a discussion with the participants about the costs and benefits of each type work for them, their families, and society. DIS C US S W IT H T H E PA RT IC IPA NT S the types and/or conditions of work that they feel are
unsuitable for young people. Invite the participants to also discuss any reasons why young people might be engaged in work that is unsuitable or under unsatisfactory conditions. O F F E R T HE F O L L O WING C O MMENT S:
» One-sixth of children in the world today are child laborers doing work that damages their mental, physical or emotional development. Children work because their survival, and that of their families, depends on it.
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» Some work carried out by children and young people is not considered child labor, e.g., helping with appropriate tasks on the family farm after school, assisting with chores around the house, or engaging in paid, part-time employment. Such child work can be a valuable way for children to learn new skills, such as developing responsibility, learning how to manage money, and experiencing the work environment in preparation for future employment and participation in society. » Child laborers work in a variety of jobs. They are employed as domestic workers in homes, as laborers on farms, or as workers in industries such as garment-making or fireworks factories. They may create their own employment by performing tasks such as shoe shining, picking up garbage on rubbish dumps, or hawking goods. In many cases, they are forced or coerced into pornography or prostitution. In conflict situations, children may be voluntarily or forcibly recruited to join armed groups. Most child laborers are in the informal economic sector where they are not protected by laws and regulations.
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» Many individuals, governments, and organizations are working toward a world that no longer tolerates child labor. They consider child labor unacceptable and one of the most urgent contemporary issues of our time. A R R A NGE T H E PA RT IC IPA NT S INT O GR O UPS O F FO UR O R FIV E. Explain that you
are going to read five scenarios to them. The groups then must decide whether each scenario describes child labor and give reasons for their answers. Read each of the following scenarios: » SCENARIO I—ROSIE Rosie is 13 years old and attends school every day. When she gets home from school, she must prepare dinner and look after her 5-year-old sister for two hours until her mother gets home from work. She is a diligent student who usually spends the evening completing her homework but sometimes spends time relaxing with her friends. » SCENARIO 2—JIMBO Jimbo’s school is overcrowded and poorly run. He knows his parents are struggling to pay the school fees because they often can’t afford the food the family needs to eat properly. Jimbo is 11 years old. He decides to drop out of school and try his hand at working as a recycler in the streets. In this way, he can help with the family income. » SCENARIO 3—HOPE Hope finished school at age 14 because her mother got a new job and her parents told her they needed her to do the housework. So Hope now works from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., cooking, cleaning, shopping, doing laundry, and caring for her younger brothers and sisters. She would like to have time to visit her friends, but she is just too tired in the evenings. » SCENARIO 4—JOSEPH Joseph is 10 years old. His family has a small farm. When harvest time comes around, Joseph is expected to help out after school and full time during the weekends for about three weeks. This is hard work and very tiring for Joseph. He sometimes falls asleep during class at this time of the year. His classmates laugh at him but understand. » SCENARIO 5—RADHA Radha’s parents were unable to pay a debt they owed. The moneylender arranged for Radha’s labor to be a “bond” until the debt was paid. Radha, who is 12 years old, now works in a match factory. She is expected to work 10-hour days, sitting on the floor. Her boss refuses to pay her on the days he thinks she has not done enough work.
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A L L O W T IM E F O R GR O UP DISC USSIO N. Discuss group answers with the participants and
provide the following correct answers: » Scenarios 1 and 4 are not child labor. The chores Rosie and Joseph do are not exploitative or harmful, nor do they interfere with their education or development. They are part of family life. » Scenarios 2, 3 and 5 are child labor. In all three cases, the children are being denied an education and their chance to develop as children. Scenarios 3 and 5 are also exploitative. C O N C L UDE B Y INV IT ING T HE PA RT IC IPA NT S T O J O IN Y O U IN PR AYER. Pray
for children around the world who are being harmed by child labor. Pray for people trying to help these children; pray for a transformation of those who are forcing children into these roles.
Permission to reproduce is granted. © 2011 World Vision, Inc.
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About World Vision W O R L D V IS IO N is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org.
About World Vision Resources E NDING GL O B A L PO V ERT Y and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world. World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world.
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