June 7, 2021
By Aruna Kamara in Bo
The Project Officer of Defense for Children International (DCI) in Moyamba District, Maxwell Mbawova has disclosed that child labor is on the increase in that part of the country.
He told this medium that parents with low income status in the district are using their children to trade at Moyamba and Taiama Junction, and even in Moyamba town which happens even when the school calendar is in full swing.
Mr. Mbawova however said that they have made several engagements with stakeholders in the district and parents to ensure that the menace of child labour is tackled, as it is a gross violation of human rights that is entrenched in child rights Acts and other national and international instrument.
He said that they will not give up in the engagement as they want to ensure that the rights of the children are protected in the district.
He added that they are also engaged in sensitization against other forms of abuse against the children in the district including sexual and gender base violence and teenage pregnancy.
Speaking to this medium at Moyamba Junction on Thursday ,Some parents said that it is because of they are poor they are using their children to sell at Moyamba junction so that they will meet the needs of the children that the government could not provide for them including the buying of school uniform and shoes.
Tigidankey Mbogba said that she can only allow her daughter to sell when they realize that there is no effective schooling, which an excuse from her child, for coming home early.
She added that she hates to see her daughter idling at home, that is why she urges her to help in selling some wares in the market.
“the free and quality education introduced by President Bio is a laudable idea but he cannot do everything for our children and the parents needs to step in to complement his effort’’ She said.
Another parent at Taiama Junction, Theresa Gbappie said that he is now old and his son has to help her take the goods to market for sale but that is mostly done during the holiday to prepare for the reopening of school.
Some human right defenders in Moyamba District hinted that the parents need to encourage their children to go to school instead allowing them to sell or do other jobs that will hinder the attainment of their education.
The local council according to them needs to put bye-laws in place that will discourage child labor in any form, and promised to engage the Chairman of the Moyamba District council on the formulation of bye-laws.