NGO educates community on child labour

SHILLONG, June 12: The crisis due to the ongoing pandemic, while affecting the livelihoods of scores of people, has also reportedly threatened to push a significant number of children into child labour.
In an earnest bid to prevent such a crisis, a social organisation called SPARK has been working with the children for more than a decade making every effort to rescue them from the pangs of child labour and all other forms of child exploitation.
In keeping with their tirade against this social evil, the SPARK on Saturday visited children and their parents advising them about the ills associated with child labour.
This year, on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, the SPARK oganised a programme on the theme ‘Act Now, End Child Labour’. As part of the observance of the day, the organisation sensitised communities on their roles in eradicating child labour completely.
It also spoke to parents about caring for the development and welfare of their children.
During the programme, which was held at Bara Bazaar Slum and Mawlong village and in adherence to all health protocols, children participated by holding placards and raising their voices in denouncement of and seeking an end to child labour.
Moreover, as many as 12 more children engaged as child labour were enrolled in SPARK Educational Centre and were also provided with books and pen.
“Now, they will be holding school bags instead of rags bag,” the SPARK said in a statement issued here on Saturday.
Masks and soaps were also distributed among the children, who were sensitized to take precautions along with their families to fight against COVID-19.