Child Labor

The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labor as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.” This includes forced labor conditions that put a child in danger of being mistreated mentally, physically, socially or morally.

The Reasons Behind Child Labor

1.Poverty:

            Poverty is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day. Nearly 10 percent of the world's population live in this level of extreme poverty.

Growing up in poverty affects a child’s complete well-being. Child poverty leads to physical compromises including malnutrition and medical conditions. Mentally, a child in poverty is disadvantaged from a lack of education which in turn leads to a lack of opportunity. Emotionally, poverty defines a child with fear, anxiety and despair.

2.Lack of Education:

                                In many poverty-stricken communities, the joy of a child learning to read and count can be lost. Putting food on the table outweighs education. Parents may not have attended school and may not understand the long-term importance of education.

Children forced into labor at very young ages are more likely to face barriers that keep them out of school so they lack basic literacy and math skills. Trying to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work is impossible. Basic nutrition is a top priority and can take hours. It’s not uncommon for a child to be tasked to walk miles each day for a bucket of clean water.

Without an education, future opportunities are limited and the familial cycle of poverty continues.

How Can I Help a Victim of Child Labor?

At Compassion, we believe in the dignity and sanctity of each child. We believe that whether a child is working in the mines of Africa, the fields of Mexico or the factories in India, they deserve protecting.

Our Highly Vulnerable Children fund specifically targets children who are at risk of exploitation. Together we can fight for the human rights of the child by providing healthy nutrition, educational materials and a safe physical environment to learn and grow. We can help build their self-esteem and self-respect. Educate parents to stop the cycle of abuse. Encourage these little ones to refuse the lies of worthlessness. Nurture a child’s confidence in a loving God. Open greater opportunities for the future.

When you give to the Compassion fund for Highly Vulnerable Children you literally rescue a little one from child labor, abuse, exploitation, trafficking, desertion and homelessness .Compassion works with local churches in our global communities to help these highly vulnerable children and fight for their rights. We provide foster care, trauma counseling, shelter and legal assistance.

When you give to the Highly Vulnerable Children fund you offer a lifeline of hope. Your donation will help churches partner with Compassion to intervene with life-saving aid to children who are in a battle for survival and safety.

Help stop child labor before it starts. Donate today!