In Response to Child Labor...

Child labor is defined as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development” (ILO)

A child's participation in work not only affects and/or deprives a child of their education and childhood life. It damages their mental and physical health. Child work can range from domestic labor, agriculture, mining, and quarrying.

Seventy million children across the globe work long hours in harsh conditions. In Asia, Africa, and Latin America child laborers work in extreme weather and are exposed to toxic pesticides, nicotine, and countless other chemicals that harm their health. Specifically, children working in mines can be exposed to toxic mercury that causes extreme health conditions including severe brain damage. It doesn't end here, over eight million children work in the “unconditional worst forms” of child labor. That area includes drug trafficking, bonded labor, prostitution, pornography, and armed conflict.

The most common reason parents allow their children to work, is because of extreme poverty, a large percentage of children from developing countries end up supplying the economy. Poverty is what leads a child's life into work. A sudden loss of income, failed harvest or illness pauses the parents from working, and contributes to the percentage of child labor. Parents know the consequences of taking their children out of school but many don't have the choice. Another reason that curses a child to this life is simply being an orphan. Children who don't have parents or close relatives cannot provide for themselves and are left with no viable option. Time and time again these kids are left with no other choices but to go down a path that will endanger and ruin their lives.

There are many options for donating and sponsoring children around the world to bring them a better future. But it's just as important to raise awareness and bring more light to the hard lives these children live. We hope achieve policy reforms and force large companies to never allow child labor to contribute to their products. This life isn't meant for any child, so make the difference you can to give them the lives that they deserve.