Children are being encouraged to become champions for their rights and to speak out against child labour.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, and Chair of the National Child Labour Committee, Faye Prescod, delivered the charge as she addressed the Child Labour Forum, held under the theme: “Protect Our Children: Raise Your Voice Against Child Labour”.
Speaking directly to students in an interactive session, Mrs. Prescod helped them to distinguish between helping at home and child labour. She explained that while chores build responsibility and teamwork, child labour is work that is dangerous, prevents children from attending school, and steals their childhood.
“There is a big difference between helping others and working. Child labour isn’t just ‘working’. It is work that is dangerous, work that stops children from learning, and work that steals their childhood,” she stressed.
Highlighting the global reality, Mrs. Prescod noted that approximately 138 million children worldwide remain trapped in child labour.
She reminded the audience that behind every statistic is a child who deserves the opportunity to learn, play and dream. “We want a world where the only ‘job’ a child has is to grow, learn, and be happy,” she stated.
Mrs. Prescod urged the students in attendance to use their voices to advocate for children who cannot speak for themselves.
“Today isn’t just about listening to adults talk. It’s about you. When you see something that isn’t fair, don’t be quiet. Raise your voice because when children speak up for other children, the world has to listen,” she stated.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to deepen understanding of child labour and explore practical steps to prevent it. Through education and advocacy, the National Child Labour Committee continues its work to ensure that children in Barbados remain in classrooms and safe environments, not workplaces.
