My web log covers something that takes place between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Children don't spend their days learning in order to prepare themselves for work later on. They spend their days working. One of the children covered in the article I read was named Sabar Mina. She walks an hour to work everyday, where she smuggles flour from Pakistan to Afghanistan, and then brings firewood back to Pakistan. Sabar is eight years old.When the Pakistani police stop her and catch her smuggling flour, they beat her. They beat any child they find smuggling something out of the country. Oh yes, there are many, many children working. Getting beaten isn't that bad, compared to the other dangers. One danger that is a constant threat is suicide bombing. Sabar and her younger sister once witnessed a man blow himself up, along with several other people.Children work for mere pennies. Businesspeople turn to child labor because it's cheap and the police usually let children go without hassle. Children smuggle things accross the border, offer rides in things that resemble wheelbarrows with three wheels, and a wide variety of work. Most children work because they live with their parents in caves and every penny helps.There are companies that offer intrest-free loans to families that want to start a business, but their children have to go to school. These companies can't be named, as the Taliban has threatened them, saying that it goes against their religion. Some of the children were asked what they would want to do if they didn't have to do what they were doing now. I was very surprised to read that they all mentioned something about work, even though they're so young.Child labor is very sad, as they shouldn't have to work. Children should be allowed to play, and spend time just being a child. Work is for grown-ups, and honestly, who wants to be an adult? So all we can do is hope that these children have good lives and everything goes well for them.
Comments