Child labour is work that is harmful to children. Not all work done by children under the age of 18 is child labour. Slavery, child trafficking, debt bondage, forced labour, children in armed conflict, and children working in illegal or hazardous activities are considered to be some of the worst forms of child labour. Being involved in child labour can have physical, mental developmental and economic effects on children and their families and perpetuate the cycle of child labour as children grow into adults and subject their own children to the same forms of labour.
I am Dero, a 14-year-old boy living in Agonget village, Busia county, Kenya. with my twin sisters, father, and mother. Life has been tough for us, as my father sells charcoal, but
his earnings often go towards alcohol, leaving little for our family. In March
2020, my sisters and mother left due to my father's violent behavior, moving to
Bungoma for a better life.
I had to live in a small, dilapidated house with my father, who sometimes disappears for days to be with another woman he inherited after my mother left. I often find solace at my paternal grandmother's home, 5km away, where I receive food and love. Our family owns a piece of land, but my father leased it, leaving us without a place to cultivate.
To survive, I turned to sand harvesting working at a quarry 400 meters from home. I earn less than 1 euro for a small heap of sand, needing at least 5 heaps to make ends meet. Harsh living conditions have made me a frequent absentee from school, as I harvest sand to pay for my school fees and provide one meal a day for my family.
The situation escalated when, my father demanded the 4 euros I earned, brutally beating me when I hesitated. Fearing further harm, I reported the abuse to the Directorate of Children Services. The intervention included reporting the abuse to the authorities, legal procedures, medical treatment for my injuries, family therapy sessions, and psychosocial support.
With support from the ICS and Terre des Hommes Netherlands, my life has improved. I now have school materials, paid school levies, and daily meals through the lunch program. Despite challenges, I attend school regularly, participate in the Child Rights Club, and dream of becoming a teacher in the future.
While my relationship with my father remains strained, he contributes to our family, realizing the consequences of neglecting parental duties. Through family therapy, he is slowly understanding the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with me.
My journey from a vulnerable and abused child to a hopeful student has been shaped by interventions from Child Labour Project partners. I am grateful for the support that has transformed my life and allowed me to focus on education and a brighter future.
Quote:
“I no longer have to go to the quarry to look for money, instead I stay in school and learn and get lunch.”
