Child labour

Workers join forces to prevent child labour: A call to action in Tien Giang

Child labour remains a pressing issue in Viet Nam, particularly in industrial zones where families face economic pressures. A recent forum in Tien Giang provided workers and employers with practical tools and inspiration to protect children from exploitation.

25 November 2024

Content also available in: tiếng Việt

TIEN GIANG, Viet Nam (ILO News) - Over 300 workers, employers, and trade union leaders gathered in Tien Giang on 22 November 2024, for a dynamic communication forum aimed at preventing and reducing child labour. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the event used interactive and engaging methods to inspire action against child labour.

More than 300 workers, employers, and trade union leaders attended the event.

The forum, held in My Tho City, brought participants from various industrial zones and districts[1]. Workers were empowered through SCREAM (Supporting Children's Rights through Education, the Arts, and the Media) activities, including quizzes, videos, songs, and roleplays—all centered on preventing child labour. These tools not only educated but also encouraged active participation, creating an engaging and impactful atmosphere.

Key messages from the ILO’s global campaign "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour" resonated throughout the event, marking the 25th anniversary of universal ratification of Convention No.182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The ILO ENHANCE[2] Project communication videos further enriched the participants’ understanding, while winning songs from the "Song Competition Against Child Labour" brought the issue to life.

Participants were visibly inspired, with one guest from the Dak Nong Women’s Union remarking, “This is the first time I’ve attended such an exciting communication event. I learned a lot from it.”

The Tiền Giang forum kicked off a series of similar events in Dak Nong, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang provinces. These forums reinforced the commitment to ending child labour by educating and empowering workers, employers, and community leaders, driving home the urgent need to protect children’s rights and futures.

‘’Trẻ em như búp trên cành’’ (Children like buds on branches) - winning songs from the “Song Competition against Child Labour” – performed by trade union members and children from Hùng Vương Nursery School.

Participants happily and actively engaged in the quiz on child labour (Thai Nguyen)

Workers playing teamwork game “Who is faster?’’ on child labour.

[1] Representatives came from districts including Go Cong, Chau Thanh, Cai Be, Cai Lay, Tan Phuoc, Cho Gao, Go Cong Tay, Go Cong Dong, and Tan Phu Dong.

[2] Technical Support for Enhancing the National Capacity to Prevent and Reduce Child Labour in Viet Nam (ENHANCE)