Jacob Hembrom SJ
Today we commemorate the international day against the child labour. I believe, to some extent each one of us has passed through a tender, playful and a joyous childhood. We are lucky that our parents were thoughtful enough to send us to schools. We were provided with the things that we needed. Despite the fact that their financial strength must have not been that strong yet, they did for us to the best of their ability. Today, as we situate ourselves in a privilege position, it is good to take a little time out and survey the reality around us.
Globally, children are taken as the greatest gift to humanity. Childhood is an important stage of human development as it holds the potential to the future of any society. Children, who are brought up in an environment which is helpful to their intellectual, physical, and social development, will develop to be responsible and productive part of society. But, in our context, children have always been a topic less spoken or discussed. The reasons of the same can be traced back to the socio-cultural background of a particular community.
Today, if we look at our own localities, how many of our tribal children are going to schools? Majority of them are found wasting time at home or a few are set apart to graze the cattle or some have even been forced to get into serious jobs because of the poor economic conditions of the family. So many of our children have become the victims of trafficking, many are used for illicit activities in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. Many are directly exposed to the hazardous work. Work, by its nature, is likely to harm the health, safety and morals of children.
This year, the pandemic has left behind many children in a traumatic situation. Many have become orphans, homeless and helpless. It is here, that we can extend our hands to nurture the tender ones. This day brings us all together to eradicate and eliminate child labour and sought out the ways for their hopeful and bright future.