World Day against Child Labour

 

The World Day Against Child Labour is an official initiative of International Labour Organization (ILO). It was first launched in the year 2000 with the aim of spreading awareness about the issue of child labour, the hazardous situations that a child goes through and the alarming need to prevent child labour. Globally World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12th every year. Child labour is prevalent worldwide and this day brings together every sector of the society right from government authorities to civil society to participate and actively get involved in tackling child labour.

According to researches and data of ILO, millions of children both girls and boys across the globe are involved in child labour. These children are into all forms of labour and more often than not are caught in hazardous work like slavery, drug and human trafficking and the like. Clearly these children are deprived from receiving basic freedom, education, health and leisure. This harsh social reality not only violates the rights of the children but also takes away their rightful childhood. Apart from government efforts many NGOs have taken up the issue of child labour as their primary cause. But, there are NGOs like The Akshaya Patra Foundation whose implementation of the mid-day meal programme in Government schools indirectly aids in tackling child labour. 

Akshaya Patra is an Indian NGO that has been implementing the mid-day meal programme since June 2000. It provides free school lunch to the children in Government schools. The Foundation has well understood the need of food among the underserved children and hence structures its meal menu to suit the taste of a particular location. Over the years it has been observed that this as a significant incentive for parents of the economically challenged section to send their children to school rather than sending them to work for a square meal. The parents of these children feel that their children will at least receive one wholesome meal if they go to school. The positive side to this is along with the wholesome mid-day meal the child also receives the power of education. This education has the potential to make him or her prepared to aim for a better life.

When one generation of children are nourished well with food and education, they have the confidence to change the future of all the next generations. This also tackles the issue of child labour in a constructive way. On World Day Against Child Labour, let us take a step towards bettering the lives of millions of needy children. Either we can donate for children or use our skill and time to teach them different subjects and recreational activities. Akshaya Patra provides a wide array of opportunities to all sections of the society for helping the needy children.

" If you wish to donate for children (OR) " To get involved with Akshaya Patra

Let's not restrict ourselves to just a day to bring change. Let's do our bit every day!