Every child is a gift of God-a gift that must be nurtured with care and affection, with in the family and society. But unfortunately due to socio-economic and cultural problems, the code of child center edness was replaced by neglect, abuse and deprivation, particularly in the poor sections of the society. Child labor is a complex problem that is basically rooted in poverty. India is sadly the home to the largest number of child labors in the world. Child labor is a conspicuous problem in India. Its prevalence is evident in the child work participation rate, which is more than that of other developing countries. Poverty is the main reason for child labor in India. They do not go to school. Many of them have been working since the age of four or five, and by the time they attain adulthood they may be Irrevocably sick and deformed they will certainly be exhausted, and in this way they are debarred from enjoying the basic human rights, which are essential for the advancement of one’s personality. According to the statistics given by the Govt. of India there are 20 million child labors in the country while other agencies claim 50 million.
Education is a crucial component of any effective effort to eliminate child labor. There are many interlinked explanations for child labor. No single factor can fully explain its persistence and in some cases, growth. The way in which different causes, at different levels, interact with each other ultimately determines whether or not an individual child becomes a child labor. Children’s participation in the labor force is endlessly varied and infinitely volatile, responding to changing market and social conditions. Experience shows that a combination of economic growth, respect for labor standards, universal education and social protection, together with a better understanding of the needs and rights of children, can bring about a significant reduction in child labor.
PJSS is working sincerely sine 2006 for improving the status of child labors in the area by bringing their accessibility to education. Under the “National Child Labor Special School Project”, 02 units of special child labour school is being operational in Badkagawn & Keredari Ichak block in Hazaribag district in Jharkhand. Through this school, 100 child labors (Boys) have got the opportunity to educate as well as to become skilled for their better life. In our school, experienced teachers helping them to continue their education and not returning to the hazardous work in which they are presently being involved. Learning through play was also an important activity of the project along with the parents meetings that were organized frequently to appraise them about the importance of education to their children and the importance to act positively for their better future. In the meantime, parents were also inspired by PJSS to form SHGs for the economic up liftment of their families, so that the education of their children may continue without a hindrance. As the achievement side, so far, 214 child labors are enrolled in Govt. High schools of Badkagawn, Keredari and Badam in Hazaribag district and are making progress for bright future.
For sustainability of the center, “Parents Committee” has also been formed by PJSS. The formation of the committee has now made parents more concerned for sending their children regularly to schools and continuing their education without any hindrance. Due to this effort of PJSS, the educational status of children improved considerably.