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Illiteracy and Child Labor
Christian charity presents a practical way to combat illiteracy and child labor
Article by Eric Rochester
Child labor is one of the worst effects
of illiteracy. This social stigma has stolen away the childhood of
millions of children! The child labor trade is NOT something that can be
stopped by a mere change in government because it is the lack of
knowledge, rather than the lack of political freedom, that causes
children to become laborers.
India is the largest democracy in the
world. Unfortunately however, India is also home for the largest number
of child-laborers in the world. Some 24 million children work more hours
each day than the number of their age. The child who becomes a laborer
is often end up at abusive work places because they are defenseless and
do not say 'no' to an obnoxious master. More accurately, child laborers
do not know if they have any rights, including the right to ask for
their wages.
The grievances of child laborers are
muted by their biggest weakness; illiteracy. The burden of life is
already on their shoulders. Illiteracy and child labor feed off each
other. Parents' illiteracy limits their earning potential, causing their
children to work to supplement their families' incomes.
Sanma has found a way to practically
address this situation through the Community Education Centers.
 The
program caters to children as well as the parents, providing literacy,
career development, and hope.
Sanma currently operates 43 village
schools that serve 51 villages. A population of 50,000
farm laborers and more than 3000 child laborers are being made aware of
ways they can escape this vicious cycle.
Let the children be children. To make tax deductible contributions
to this program, please choose the links below.
Start up cost to enroll a student:
$18
Monthly cost of education for a child: $8
Community Education Center building: $6,000
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