Pupils of Amonikakine Primary school in Busia district
Environmental Women in Action for Development (EWAD) has appealed to school administrators, educators, policymakers, and parents around the world to join in the fight to eliminate child labor within educational settings.
EWAD an implementing partner of the Work No Child’s Business project (WNCB) in Busia district Uganda made the call while expressing deep concern about the continued existence of child labor in some schools in Uganda ahead of the World Day against Child Labour
On 14 march 2023 in Butaleja district, three children died at Golden heart Junior School after a wall they were breaking on instructions of their teacher crushed on them which was very unfortunate.
Margaret Tuhumwire a coordinator Work No Child’s Business (WNCB) project in Busia noted that in a world where education is universally regarded as the cornerstone of a prosperous future, it is disheartening to witness child labor within the very institutions responsible for nurturing young minds.
“Child labor is a grave violation of human rights that impedes children’s physical and mental development, denies them access to education, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality,” Tuhumwire said.
EWAD Executive Director, Margaret Tuhumwire
Tuhumwire said that shockingly, the vice is happening within the very walls of educational institutions, undermining the principles they should uphold.
“We believe that schools should be sanctuaries of learning, fostering environments that nurture children’s talents and empower them for a brighter future,” Tuhumwire noted.
Tuhumwire said that it is with deep concern that there is persistence of child labor in schools, where young children are subjected to exploitative conditions that deprive them of their rights and rob them of their childhood.
These activities include hazardous labor, long hours of farm work while others are studying, maintenance work, or even providing services for the school community at a covert fee paid to teachers or school heads.
Such practices not only compromise their physical safety but also undermine their well-being and educational opportunities.
“It is imperative that schools take the following actions to protect and promote the rights of every child:
Adoption of strict policies: Schools must establish and enforce clear policies explicitly prohibiting child labor within their premises.
These policies should align with international conventions and national laws that protect children’s rights, ensuring zero tolerance for any form of child labor.
- Raising awareness and education: Schools should integrate comprehensive education on child labor intotheir curricula,creating opportunities for school children to understand the gravity of the issue and its consequences. By fostering empathy and social responsibility, we can empower the younger generation to become advocates against child labor.
- Strengthening collaboration: Schools should collaborate with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders to develop strategies that address child labor effectively. By joining forces, we can establish support networks and implement sustainable interventions that protect children and create lasting change.
- Monitoring and reporting mechanisms: Schools must establish robust systems for monitoring and reporting suspected cases of child labor. This includes implementing confidential reporting channels and ensuring that reports are promptly investigated and appropriate action is taken to protect the rights and well-being of the child.
- Supporting vulnerable families: Schools should work closely with families living in vulnerable conditions, providing access to social services, education, and economic opportunities. By addressing the root causes of child labor, we can break the cycle and create a future where all children can thrive.
- Create friendly learning environmentto foster learning, attract and retain children in school.
By taking these crucial steps, schools can serve as beacons of change, demonstrating their commitment to upholding children’s rights and creating safe, nurturing, and inclusive educational environments.
