Slavery is not just an old system. It continues. Only difference is, in modern days, it is driven mostly by the victims. Illiteracy can be identified as the main reason that encourages modern day slavery.

Child labor is one of the worst effects of modern day slavery, and illiteracy. This social stigma has stolen away the childhood of millions of children! Due to the lack of awareness about the value of education among parents, and sheer poverty, in most case, child labor is initiated by the families of the children. Because of this, laws have limited effect in changing the situation.

India, the largest democracy in the world, is also home for the largest number of child-laborers in the world. Approximately 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. If you wish to join the efforts to end modern day slavery and child labor, you can volunteer with Sanma. You can also 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

Sanma: A Trustworthy Organization

Since 1989 Sanma is on a mission of healing the scars poverty and ignorance placed on humanity, and is supported by people who value integrity, program effectiveness, and efficient use of resources. Sanma has 43 Community Education Centers in India, a Public School, and two regional offices that are registered with the local governments. Sanma is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation in Arlington, Texas. Your contributions to Sanma are tax deductible, as permitted by the federal government of the United States.