Today, on the 12th of June, the world unites to recognize the fight against child labour through World Day against Child Labour. Child labour has devastating consequences on the health and well-being of children. The widespread impact of HIV/AIDS has already claimed the lives of many parents, leaving children vulnerable to economic hardships. In desperate circumstances, these children may be forced into labour at a young age just to survive.
Child labour is more than just a violation of children’s rights; it exposes them to numerous dangers, including sexual abuse and exploitation. In their vulnerable situations, children become targets for predators who take advantage of their struggles, causing physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
At Tackle, we understand the importance of this issue. In all our programs, we prioritize safeguarding and ensure that our coaches are trained to protect the rights and dignity of everyone involved. This commitment to safeguarding is crucial, as we work with children as young as 9 years old from diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where boys and girls can trust our coaches with any concerns.
Protecting the lives and well-being of children is a shared responsibility. During our community drill sessions, we openly discuss the signs of different forms of child abuse including those associated with child labour, encouraging coaches and participants to speak up and take action. By intervening and providing the necessary support and resources, we can make a difference. Education and awareness are essential in preventing child labour and addressing its underlying causes.
On this World Day against Child Labour, themed “Social Justice for All,” Tackle reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of children. We will continue working with local partners in Africa towards the realisation of children’s health and rights, striving for accessible and quality education, empowering every child to grow up free from exploitation and with the promise of a brighter future.
Together, let us raise our voices against child labour and tirelessly work towards a world where every child is protected, educated, and given the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that sport and our voices become powerful forces in promoting sexual health and ending child labour’s grip on innocence, health, and freedom.