Students voices against child labour
On June 12th students from schools in the greater Suva area added their voices and songs to the fight against child labour
The World Day Against Child Labour was celebrated by schools participating in oratory and drama competitions organised by the Ministries of Labour and Education, and supported by the International Labour Organization and social partners. Students spoke confidently and widely about the issues of child labour, stating facts and figures at global and national levels.
According to the winner of the primary oratory division, Apisai Waqa, of St. Marcellin Champagnat, school children in Fiji are in child labour, selling marijuana in schools, selling roti parcels when they should be in school, begging on the streets, and are trapped in commercial sexual exploitation. Stating poverty as a main cause of child labour, Apisai challenged the audience with a quote from Nelson Mandela “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” Nelson Mandela
The winner of the secondary oratory division, Sheryl Mudaliar of Nakasi High School presented a comprehensive argument for countries to put in place social protection polices to combat child labour. She stated that social protection is a human right and that countries should ensure a social protection floor was in place to help families, especially poor families cope with economic crisis and shocks such as losing their jobs or property. She concluded with a poem encouraging everyone to work together, to raise their voices against child labour and give children back their dreams.
The drama competition that followed also saw students highlighting the issues faced by many children especially from poverty stricken families, who need to work to support the family. In addition the dramas explored the issues of parental neglect, poor school attendance, peer pressure, exposure to abuse and risks and the involvement of children in the worst forms of child labour. All students had the same messages “stop child labour; let children be children and have the opportunity to develop their full potential; education is important; and combat poverty!”
According to the winner of the primary oratory division, Apisai Waqa, of St. Marcellin Champagnat, school children in Fiji are in child labour, selling marijuana in schools, selling roti parcels when they should be in school, begging on the streets, and are trapped in commercial sexual exploitation. Stating poverty as a main cause of child labour, Apisai challenged the audience with a quote from Nelson Mandela “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” Nelson Mandela
The winner of the secondary oratory division, Sheryl Mudaliar of Nakasi High School presented a comprehensive argument for countries to put in place social protection polices to combat child labour. She stated that social protection is a human right and that countries should ensure a social protection floor was in place to help families, especially poor families cope with economic crisis and shocks such as losing their jobs or property. She concluded with a poem encouraging everyone to work together, to raise their voices against child labour and give children back their dreams.
| Tear filled eyes Terrified faces Rough hands and shattered dreams Deprived of their childhood Overloaded with work Burdened with responsibility… So much to learn So much to accomplish Fight for a cause Raise your voice Stop child labour! by: Sheryl Mudaliar, Nakasi High School |  Winners of the oratory and drama contest. Sheryl Mudaliar (second from left) winner of the oratory contest with her fellow students. |
The drama competition that followed also saw students highlighting the issues faced by many children especially from poverty stricken families, who need to work to support the family. In addition the dramas explored the issues of parental neglect, poor school attendance, peer pressure, exposure to abuse and risks and the involvement of children in the worst forms of child labour. All students had the same messages “stop child labour; let children be children and have the opportunity to develop their full potential; education is important; and combat poverty!”