Saihaj used to love going to school. She is 12 years old and dreamed of becoming a teacher, but for the past two years she has been working in a textile workshop in India to help her family. Her days begin before dawn and stretch on for hours without changing position and with almost no rest. “I wish I didn’t have to work so much, but if I don’t, my family won’t eat,” she explains. Her story is not an exception, but a reflection of a structural reality affecting millions of children worldwide, whose childhood is cut short by necessity and a lack of opportunities and alternatives.<\/p>\n
According to estimates by international organisations, over 160 million boys and girls work worldwide, and around half of them do so in hazardous conditions that jeopardise their health, development and future. In this context, at least 9 million of them are trapped in forms of child slavery: forced labour, trafficking for exploitation, early marriage or recruitment into armed conflict. These are situations which, although often hidden, constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights and perpetuate cycles of poverty that are difficult to break.<\/p>\n
Child slavery takes many forms and adapts to every situation. In rural areas, many children work in agriculture, mining or fishing, often exposed to toxic substances, excessive loads or hazardous environments. In urban areas, others survive in the informal economy or fall into networks of exploitation. Poverty, inequality, humanitarian crises and lack of access to education are, in all cases, key factors driving families into desperate situations.<\/p>\n
Schooling and support: fundamental pillars for ending child slavery<\/strong><\/p>\n “When a child enters the world of work, it is very difficult for them to return to school unless there is constant, long-term support,” explains Salesian Emmanuel Chana, who oversees numerous educational projects in West Africa. “It is not enough to offer a place at school; we must also work with families, create economic alternatives and strengthen the community to prevent them from falling back into a situation of exploitation.”<\/p>\n In Latin America, many boys and girls drop out of school to contribute to the family economy in vulnerable urban areas. Daniela, aged 13, spent most of her day selling goods on the street until she started attending a Salesian centre. There, she not only resumed her studies but found a safe space where she could develop skills, socialise and reclaim a part of her childhood.<\/p>\n “Here I’ve started studying again and even playing,” she recalls, highlighting the impact these programmes have when approached holistically.<\/p>\n In Asia, the situation facing girls presents specific risks. Many are victims of domestic exploitation or forced marriage at a very young age, which radically limits their opportunities for development. In response, Salesian programmes combine education, awareness-raising and protection, creating environments where girls can learn about their rights and build alternatives. This preventive approach is essential to curbing deeply rooted dynamics in certain contexts.<\/p>\n The aim is not merely to combat child slavery, but to prevent it by offering opportunities <\/strong><\/p>\n Misiones Salesianas supports the Salesians in 138 countries across five continents with an intervention model that places the individual at the centre. Education is the main focus, but it is complemented by psychosocial support, community strengthening and family support. The aim is not only to rescue children from situations of exploitation, but to prevent them from falling back into them, by offering sustainable opportunities that transform their environment.<\/p>\n For this reason, raising awareness, active engagement and shared responsibility are key elements in making progress towards its elimination.<\/p>\n On World Day Against Child Slavery, the stories of Saihaj and Daniela remind us that behind every statistic there is a life that could be in danger. Every child who returns to school represents a step forward, but the challenge remains global and urgent.<\/p>\n “The most important thing is that boys and girls feel like children and can enjoy their childhood,” concludes the Salesian.<\/p>\n