From acceptance to action: Kuchiko, Nigeria unites to end child labour in artisanal gold mining

In Kuchiko, we have a mining site where everyone works—men, women, and children—because of poverty. That is how we earn a living. We never really thought about sending our children to school because we didn’t understand its value.

When ACCEL Africa came to our community, they told us about the dangers our children face in the mines. At first, many were sceptical. But as they listened, they began to recognize the truth. We shared our struggles with them—how difficult it was to send our children to school. The project provided us with books, bags, and other school materials. They also showed us how to protect our health.

Before, we didn’t even know what child labour was. We thought children working in the mines was normal because they could earn money. But now, we understand. We have banned child labour in the mines. No more children are working there—they are all in school.

"we hope that one day, a boy from our community will grow up to become the manager of ACCEL Africa at the ILO" hopes Yusuf

After the training, we developed an action plan. We met with our elders, our local government agencies, and even our senator. We told them what our community needed. And they listened. They built three classrooms and toilets for us. The World Bank fenced our school.

Thanks to this project, Kuchiko is better than before. We have nothing but gratitude, and we hope that one day, a boy from our community will grow up to become the manager of ACCEL Africa at the ILO.

© ILO/Henry

© ILO/Henry