CHILD LABOUR

Radha peered from behind the wall, her eyes like two brown orbs, filled with wonder. Today was her day. A day she awaited all the 7 years of her existence. Today, Maa won’t tell her to wash dishes and Bapa won’t ask her to help him in the garage. Today, she will not have to stoically bear the drudgery of working in a parlous factory to earn a meagre wage. Looking at the mirror, Radha admired her reflection with awe—red ribbons adorned her glossy pigtails and a blue bag, filled with books, sat on her shoulders. She straightened her crisp uniform one last time before running off to school. Today, she would receive the greatest gift of education.

Scared, lonely, hungry, hands set to work, waiting for a ray of hope to come. But, maybe it’s not coming…

33 million children (aged 5-18) around India face this problem.

33 million.

That is the number of children who have tasted the worst kind of prejudice: 33 million children have their rights trampled and stowed away; 33 million children may never be able to get an education; 33 million children may never be able to take full advantage of opportunities.

This is a problem that has taken India by storm. Whether it is the Chotu at the chai-stall or the 12-year-old Aarti that sweeps floors in Ms Kapoor’s flat; they are all victims of this social evil.

Child Labour.

These words connote a veritable monster that seems to take everything away from children—their books, their toys, their innocence—as though devouring childhood bit by bit.

It pains me to see that when we, fortunate children, moan for waking up for school in the morning, other children have been up hours before and are working in unhealthy environments to support their family.

Wages to labourers cover a large part of a firm’s costs and so in order to lower their costs, firms employ children as they are cheaper! Firms proudly reach the top of the charts by offering low prices and high quality, but extinguish the light in the heart of humankind’s most vulnerable resource—children—as they gallop their way up the mountain of success. Poverty stricken children, on the other hand, want to work as they are drawn by the dreams of a better life, thus falling prey to the firms’ well mapped plans.

However, just like all problems, this problem also has solutions. Firstly, I believe all citizens must be vigilant and if they notice any child labourer, quickly report the employer. Secondly, stringent rules must be set and exercised efficiently by government, against firms employing child labourers. The government must also ensure that poor children are supported and given free education and meals, however, these procedures must also be monitored strictly as the subsidy should reach the beneficiaries only. NGO’s also play a key role in eradicating such problems, for instance, Child Rights and You (CRY) is a striking example and has worked endlessly for the welfare of children.

Children are the pillars of our country and if the pillars remain weak, then the edifice of the country cannot be held strongly. We must all join hands and take an oath to make India a better, safer and more beautiful place for children to live in.

Ria Malhotra, (15 years), student of Podar International School, Mumbai.

Winter Camp at Airoli, 2016

CRY in its initiative to provide an opportunity for the young and the less privileged children to develop and know the world that surrounds them, brought the winter camp to one of its promised school in Navi Mumbai.  For that going beyond academics, beyond the books and the classrooms was important, and therefore believing in what CRY stands for and the zest of those children, a winter camp for two days was organized for these kids with fun filled activities and short engaging films. This camp aimed at bringing the most in the children, that they could grab from the global perspective oriented videos and quizzes to the personality development and career counseling sessions.

The very first day began with the most refreshing of all, the YOGA session that involved them and the fellow volunteers into meditation and basic morning stretching asanas. Post this quick refreshment the children were engaged in the motivational short films that involved a brief interaction after every film. This was in itself an achievement, that although the films were in other languages, the children could relate and reciprocate the moral values towards the end very well. After giving them a practical awareness of the values that should govern an individual, what better time can there be to discuss the personality development. 

This was followed by a fun filled music and dance session that put these young kids on their feet and showcase their moves on the beats. The smiles on their faces was a moment, a moment to cherish. Later there took place a serious discussion on the career prospects these children can take pertaining their interests post grade 10. Knowing that the kids do not have much idea that there exists an array of professions, the highlight of this winter camp was directing the youth to first know themselves, understand their interests and know the careers  they can potentially take. The day ended with some yummy cakes along with some notebooks given to the school children.

Their enthusiasm that sprawled throughout kept the volunteers motivated and was in itself the least expression required to understand the mutual respect and understanding they had from an outsider’s observance.

-Frenny Patel, Intern (Mumbai)