Nashaat Shaikh: World Day Against Child Labour 2020; Voices of DCI Youth Leaders

Despite having prior knowledge of child labor and child rights or lack thereof, I was taken aback after reading only a handful of articles covering such topics. An estimated 70 million children around the world are being forced to work in hazardous conditions while simultaneously being exposed to extreme temperatures, harmful chemicals, and otherwise dangerous locations. Many of these children– working in efforts to attain even a sliver of the luxuries we possess– suffer from serious health conditions because of their working environments. On November 24th, 2012, a fire broke out at the Tazreen Fashion Factory, killing at least 117 people and injuring 200 more, marking it as the deadliest factory fire in the history of Bangladesh. Amongst these workers were elderly folk, young men and women, and many children. On April 24th, 2013, The Rana Plaza in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1132 factory workers and injuring thousands more. Many of the workers who died and were injured were children, again working so that they may be able to live a better life.

After this incident, there have been at least 109 accidents similar to this. The more I read about this, the more horrified I become. How many more children will die in these situations before any changes are made? Many young kids are forced to work in these terrible conditions and are treated as less than human. There are kids my age and much younger who are working in order to survive. Without their labor, they wouldn’t be able to afford food or water, and most don’t have access to shelter either way. These kids are forced to grow up and mature quickly, enduring much more pain than they should have to in the process. They aren’t allowed to have fun and have the experience of being a kid. The things that I consider as normal and take for granted are luxuries to these children. I can easily book a doctor’s appointment to get a check-up, but these kids can only dream of this type of medical treatment. The worst part about all of this is that these kids are put into this position at no fault of their own. Had they been born into a different family they might have been able to enjoy their childhood and not have to experience cruel child labor. DCI works to help the children who aren’t as fortunate by offering medical support, supplies, shelter, food, and water, and a quality education. Because of DCI, these kids have a chance. Donate now so that you as well can help give these children a better life.

Nashaat Shaikh
Youth Leader, Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI)

About Nashaat Shaikh:
Nashaat Shaikh, is 17 years old and a rising senior in high school. She has been actively volunteering and interning with DCI for over one year. She hopes to make a difference in the world and to help those who are less fortunate. She is very dedicated and commited and young leader for DCI’s mission.