In Ethiopia, Fight Against Child Labor Continues

VOA News, by Marthe van der Wolf

As countries observe World Day Against Child Labor on June 12, many children in developing countries below the age of 18 have to work to help their families or just to take care of themselves. In Ethiopia many children are helping their parents on the land or roaming the streets trying to sell goods or shining shoes.

Alula Pankhurst, who has done years of research on the subject, said it’s culturally accepted for Ethiopian children to support their families. Pankhurst said this differs from kids who have to do worse forms of labor.

“Children get pushed into working due to the poverty in the household. But also when the household faces a shock with the death of family member, particularly the breadwinner,” he said.

A center on the outskirts of Addis Ababa was set up by the local organization Forum on Sustainable Child Empowerment. It takes in under-aged girls who have had to prostitute themselves for a living. Read more