This year, the theme of the World Day against Child Labour was “NO to child labour, YES to quality education”. It focussed on the link between education and child labour, which is crucial in developing effective strategies that can break the cycle of poverty, a key factor, if not the sole factor, in producing child labour.
Without adequate education, former child labourers are more likely than others to end up in poorly paid and insecure work as adults or to be unemployed. Also, there is a high probability that they will live in poverty and that their children will share the same fate. In Moldova, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with Terre des Hommes Moldova marked the World Day against Child Labour by organizing four information events for children. The events aimed to raise awareness about the importance of education and the negative consequences of child labour.
99 children participated in various group psychosocial activities from the Community Centre of Olanesti village, the Centre of Social Assistance for Children and Youth at Risk “House of Hope” from Falesti town, the Centre for Children and Youth “Amicul” of Gratiesti village and the Republican Centre for Children and Youth “Artico” from Chisinau. Children watched a movie and discussed child labour and the role of education in their future. They were also involved in creative activities and games enjoying surprise presents and cheerful atmosphere. Finally, participating children painted together a “No to child labour, Yes to quality education” banner.
The survey on children’s activities, undertaken in 2009 by the National Bureau of Statistics in Moldova with ILO support shows that the prevalence of economic activities among children of 5-17 years is 29.7 per cent. The prevalence of child labour is high as well, registering 18.3 per cent of all children in the country and about 60.0 per cent of those undertaking economic activities.
A collective challenge and responsibility is to enable all children, girls and boys to have access to education, quality education. Second-class education perpetuates second-class citizens. We all know that a solid education and good teachers can make a world of difference to the lives and futures of children and young people.
In 2014, the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded jointly to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai powerfully symbolized the close connection between the right to freedom from child labour and the right of all girls and boys to education. Their courage, their persistence and their vision should inspire us all to step up our action.
Ultimately, a future without child labour calls for inclusive development policies integrating decent work for adults, social protection floors and sound education systems. With political will and determination at all levels of development, priorities can be set, policy choices can be made and integrated action can be taken.
