Zambia stands up for children: fighting child labour together

NKEYEMA, Zambia (ILO News) - Labour and Social Security Minister, Ms. Brenda Tambatamba, said the government is working hard to stop child labour, saying that since 2021, more than 4,000 children have been removed from dangerous work in farms, mines, markets, and homes.

“We want every child to be safe, healthy, and in school,” she said. “No child should be forced to work instead of learning and growing,” Ms. Tambatamba said.

She said to help families, the government was giving support through programmes like Social Cash Transfer and Cash for Work to reduce poverty so that children do not engage in child labour.

Ms. Tambatamba asked communities, businesses, and leaders to work together to end child labour.

She also encouraged children to report any abuse or forced work.

© Allan Mulenga

© Allan Mulenga

Western Province Minister, Mr. Kapelwa Mbangweta, also called on people in Nkeyema to protect children and keep them in school.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Social Protection Manager, Mr. Yu Jie Koh said the ILO has been supporting the country to revise the National Action Plan II 2020-2025 to end the worst forms of child labour by 2025.

© Allan Mulenga

© Allan Mulenga

Chief Mwene Kahare of Nkeyema made a strong promise: “No child in my area will be stopped from going to school. Education is the key to ending poverty. Let’s keep our children in class, not in the fields.”

In a vote of thanks, Munkuye Primary School Grade Seven pupil, Karen Mukanka, encouraged her fellow learners to stay in school and avoid child labour.

“There are children who are working in the fields every day and missing school,” said 13-year-old Karen. “Some of them have come back to school, and they want to become teachers.”