Saturday, December 24, 2011

Matchbox Kids, Not Toys - End Slavery

Source: BBC
In response to reading a blog post from Cool Cat Teacher Blog to raise awareness about modern day slavery during this holiday season, one thing came to mind, candles. It is not just the significance of candles for the Christian holiday of Christmas, the Jewish holiday of Chanakah, or the African celebration of Kwanza, but also matches. Candles are lit for each of these festivals to mark a special occasion. When we light candles, we often use matches, but how often do we think about where matches come from other than the store? Do most people know that India is one of the largest producers of matches, or that a vast majority of its match making industry is supported by child labor? Well, it is.

Here are just a few simple facts from the website Products of Slavery:
  • In one of India's matchbox factories, ten-year-old Kavitha was made to grind a highly combustible mixture, leaving her with permanently blackened hands. Source : UNICEF, 2005, "India: Project Helps Child
  • A study carried out in India found that children working in matchbox factories earned the equivalent of just two euros a week for 12 straight hours of work. Source : International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, 2006, "India: Economic Boom Masks
  • In 2002, as many as 66,000 children, aged between six and 14, were found working in matchbox factories in the Indian city of Silvasi alone. Source : International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, "India: Economic Boom Masks Widespread Child Labour," October 2006, Pg. 2
Source: Child Labor in India
India has a huge child labor problem, and many children as young as six years old work long hours each day for miniscule pay. Many are employed in match factories, as well as in the fireworks industry. Injuries abound, and they are too poor to get treatment for their ailments. Many, too, keep working because they are so poor. According to Legal India, of the 200,000 workers in the labor force in the matchbox industry, experts claim that 35% are children below the age of 14. They are made to work over twelve hours a day, beginning work at around 4:00 a.m., everyday. For an incredible documentary on the subject, watch the video Child Labor in India. It is not for the faint of heart.

So this holiday season as you light candles in celebration, perhaps think about ways to help educate our students to make the world a better place for exploited children and to put an end to slave labor.

25 comments:

  1. Thumbs up guys your doing a truly terrific job.
    teaching supplies

    ReplyDelete
  2. The quality of your blogs and conjointly the articles and price appreciating.nzlc.ac.nz

    ReplyDelete
  3. great ideas to learn and share the useful information.
    Best Prom Dresses

    ReplyDelete
  4. what a great ideas to share and learn some things new.

    ReplyDelete
  5. At LK Auto Factors, you’ll discover the widest range of kids ride on cars from top brands at never-before prices. Category based on age. Fast delivery!

    See more: - https://lkautofactors.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome your doing a truly terrific job jasa aspal

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really appreciate the kind of topics post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day!
    House of toys

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the information. I really like the way you express complex topics in lucid way. It really helps me understand it much better way. education toys for children

    ReplyDelete
  9. Buy Gifts and Toys for best toys for 1 year old boy in 2020 and see Top rated Reviews about best toys Gifts for 1 year old boys.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks to share this post.education toys is a very good product.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is the best post I have ever seen. Very clear and simple. Mid-portion Is quite interesting though. Keep doing this. I will visit your site again. Tommy Jarvis Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dads agree is a platform where you have over 30+ diligent dads who are all here to help you be the best parent you can be. So whether you are searching for the guide for your one-year toddler development or a dad-friendly tutorial, we are here to help you. We try our best so that you find our site useful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful.
    Oliver Tree Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pretty good post. I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.Any way Here I am Specialist in Manufacturing of Movies, Gaming, Casual, Faux Leather Jackets, Coats And Vests See Sons Of Anarchy Vest

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well written. Many kids are doing hard labour in the streets. They are denied the right to education also. They are forced to do labour for a living instead of playing with Kids Toys in their age. It is very hard to see very little kids around six years old work long hours. The match stick making industry is indeed supported by child labour as many kids are seen doing match stick making.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site
    Yankee Letterman Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  17. thanks! your article was really helpful with the easy instructions! i had my labels set up in minutes! thanks! (: christopher carey Books

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wisdom Overseasis authorized India's Exclusive Partner of Southwestern University PHINMA, the Philippines established its strong trust in the minds of all the Indian medical aspirants and their parents. Under the excellent leadership of the founder Director Mr. Thummala Ravikanth, Wisdom meritoriously won the hearts of thousands of future doctors and was praised as the “Top Medical Career Growth Specialists" among Overseas Medical Education Consultants in India.

    Southwestern University PHINMAglobally recognized university in Cebu City, the Philippines facilitating educational service from 1946. With the sole aim of serving the world by providing an accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to all the local and foreign students. SWU PHINMA is undergoing continuous changes and shaping itself as the best leader with major improvements in academics, technology, and infrastructure also in improving the quality of student life

    ReplyDelete
  19. Instagram account can be deleted and easily. Before using Instagram, log in to your account using a web browser or mobile app. The next step is to find the account deactivation option in your profile settings. If you don't complete this step, Instagram won't ask you to explain what you did.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Swiftle is the best choice if you enjoy playing games and are a fan of Taylor Swift. Swiftle is a distinct and thrilling experience since it mixes the seductive worlds of video games and Taylor Swift's music. The levels in this game, which drew inspiration from well-known Taylor Swift songs and albums, allow players to go through a variety of difficulties.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...


Pin It