Children and Work

Many around the world gets furious upon hearing that child labor still exist. Some say its a horrible thing. Personally, I disagree with child labor too. Children were born innocent into this world and they were meant to be pampered and loved. However, far far away from where I sit now, in Africa, thousands and millions are putting their two hands to work for ... I don't know. Do they even get USD 1 a day? Cocoa is rich in the Ivory Coast, and back in my early days of college, I've learnt that child labor is really huge there too.

So here's what I have to share. Agree or disagree, its up to you. 

One day, as I was driving a couple of my friends (Africa origin) I asked them about the condition in Africa. And when I showed disagreement about companies using child labor in Africa, this is what one of them replied me: Afina, you have to understand, there's a difference between child slavery and child labor. Honestly, I don't see a problem with child labor. Their parents salary itself cannot support them. The children needs to live and if work it is, then it is what it is. They need the money.

At that moment, I disagree with her. In my mind I thought, why not they just don't have children then. Then I saw another problem. They were humans too. And with the lack of education, who was going to teach them about sexual reproduction and family planning? It lingered in my mind for a very long time. Then today, as I was walking down the streets of Singapore, I see children crying over toys and ice-cream. Then I suddenly thought of what my friend had to say.

I never had to suffer as a child. I never had to put my own two hands to work. And thus, I was more concerned over the children having to work than the reality. If there is one thing I were to raise awareness to in Africa, it wouldn't be the fact that children are put to work. Instead, it'll be the fact that their adults are under paid. If only they were paid the pay they deserve, only if they were seen as humans and not robots, maybe these children then wouldn't have to be put to work.

But till then, I won't boycott products that use child labor, cause these children need the money. Be it for food, be it as their hope to achieve what we achieve with our parents' money, its their hope. If we were to boycott those companies, and the world stop paying these children, then where is their money going to come from? They don't have parents who earn USD 5 an hour.

When I was a child, I told my grandmother that one day, I'm going to be so rich, that I'll buy Africa and feed all the starving children. She laughed and say, 'your kind intention can't save everyone'.

We as humans act as we feel, but we barely put ourselves in their shoes. Africa has a very corrupted government no doubt. But which country doesn't?

Now its your turn, what do you think bout child labor in Africa?

Here's a few video to show you how cocoa is made. Cocoa, the one we all put in our mouth.

The Challenge to Make Chocolate :
- Part 1
- Part 2
- Part 3