This is Sii, a child with dreams, goals and ambitions, a child who looks forward to a bright future, but with the prevailing reality, it all seem like a far cry. With barely any support from anywhere or anyone, his poor parents can hardly afford three square meals a day, and even to secure a meal is majorly dependent on how hard he husles, hawking his wares, from street to street. While other kids prepare for school, Sii would have to wake up early enough to catch the first bus heading for the market Square, by so doing he would stand a chance of getting a free seat, at the extension. This continues to be a regular routine, pending when things look up. Occasionally, Sii would catch up with some kids along the pathway, as they discuss the lessons they had been taught in school. He would pay close attention to see if he could learn one or two. Anytime Sii returns home, he begins to ponder over the new words he has learnt, as he continues to dream of a brighter future, where one day, he would be able to go to a good school, just like the other kids.
________________________________________

Hmmm..

There are so many kids like Sii, out there who dream of a better life, yet lack the opportunity owing to their state of poverty. They seem so helpless, dejected and rejected, and have to resort to other survival tactics. More often than not, the children become victims of this narrative, their parents, uncles, aunts and relatives expose them to the street life by engaging them in child labour, and while on the streets they are prone to all the hazards that tag alone. Eventually, the child lost his innocence in the entire process and is disillusioned. The question is:

Where do we go from here?

What is the adverse effect of child labour on our society?

What is the lasting solution to address the situation of the gifted, yet underprivileged child?

Here are responses from notable personalities:

emy1010: Child labour is as a result of lack of planning..God has given us choice, and choice is tied to planning, you don't give bear children without planning, you don't leave it to fate.

People need to be educated,
Parents should be held responsible for lack of foresight because if these things are not checked. You have to consider the times you are in before bringing children into the world, you can actually make projections and know what you can afford, every child comes from a home.

Muyiwa Kayode: Free and Compulsory Education up to SS3.

Non-Negotiable

Stephen: Life on the street can be very hazardous even on a daily basis, you want to ensure that you are not caught up with the mischiefs, amongst miscreants, thus you can imagine the implication, when a child becomes part of that narrative as a result of the impoverish state of the family or society. The family is a nucleus of the society, and once everything is in place from the Homefront, it gets easier. Families can be structured according to what is feasible within the family. Tailor your needs according to what you can afford, there are still affordable educational centres where even the poorest can get a good education, at least the basic education. Then on the part of the government, they should find a way of providing more educational and lucrative centres that are both affordable and accessible. When both units(Family and government) collaborate well, then the structure becomes formidable, and conducive.

Joy: It is a Systemic issue, as long as the society/law makers do not see anything wrong, they won't do anything right to ensure it's at minimal exposure. I dont think its only physical poverty that is at play here, mental Poverty dey kampe... 
If everyone knows it's wrong and are sensitized about the consequences to the benefits, maybe they'll reconsider abusing these children, but you know humans, there are just some people who are extraordinarily special, and would follow through with their own agenda.
   
   ________________________________________

Insightful responses from our guests, you would agree.

One thing is worthy of note definitely- Child labour must not be encouraged, it is a weight on the society, because good or bad, whatever a child turns out to become in life, has a ripple effect on the society. We shouldn't watch the people we lead, go into oblivion or feel helpless, when there is something that can be done. Leadership tags along with responsibilities, one of which is being proactive and insightful. We must begin to fix the cracks in our walls by seeking help, when and where neacessary. The Keyword here, is BALANCE.

A healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and when the children of a nation is healthy and sound in mind, soul and body, then the foundation is right.
Let's begin to look inwards.

  Thanks for being a part of this maiden edition of LET'S TALK..by E PLUS The Storyteller. 

Watch out for the next edition. For sponsorship or advert placement, call/WhatsApp message to 07081536821.

Remember, Inspiration is the bedrock of Creativity, you can explore yours in many ways.

________________________________________

Are you open-minded to learn how to start a risk-free Global business, without loosing money?

LABUENA VIDA PROJECT has a team of experts and diverse network of entrepreneurs involved in different industries that will teach you how.

Click the link for more

https://surveyheart.com/form/5f64dd16c366005648fcc8b2

      

.

Disclaimer If this post is your copyrighted property, please message this user or email us your request at team@pejoweb.com with a link to this post