Herat child laborers seek govt support to pursue education

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Child laborers and street children in western Herat say they are deprived of education and a healthy life due to economic hardships and urge the government to assist their families in overcoming financial difficulties.

In one of Herat’s streets, 10-year-old Ismatullah, who carries a bag every day to collect trash and cans, spoke to Pajhwok Afghan News.

With heavy burden of life evident on his face, he explained that he worked from dawn to dusk due to economic problems and the lack of a guardian.

Deprived of education and a healthy life, Ismatullah said, “If the government helps my family, I would like to go to school and study.”

Ismatullah shared that every day, from morning until evening, he collects plastic and soda cans, earning up to 100 afghanis a day, which he uses to support his family.

He also mentioned that he was the only breadwinner in his family, though he did not specify the number of his family members.

Like Ismatullah, dozens of other children are working throughout Herat city and they are also deprived of education due to their continuous work.

Ahmed Wali, a seven-year-old child laborer who sells chewing gum on streets of Herat, said he earns between 50 to 100 afghanis a day from selling gum, which he gives to his family.

He added that if his family was freed from financial problems, he would like to study and become a regular student, but such opportunities are not available to him at the moment.

Meanwhile, the increasing number of street children in Herat city has raised concerns among local residents and social activists, who are urging the government to implement a comprehensive program to address this issue.

Homayun Mohammadi, a social activist in Herat, told Pajhwok that the rise in street children needed a comprehensive program.

He added these children are causing disorder on sidewalks, creating concern among the public. Sometimes, he said, they even harassed pedestrians.

In response, relevant authorities in Herat have announced efforts to address the problem of child laborers and street children and are preparing supportive programs for them in the province.

Hafiz Mirza Mohammad Abu Mansoor, Director of Labor and Social Affairs in Herat, assured that efforts are being made to tackle the issue of child laborers in the province.

He added that in collaboration with partner organizations and the local administration, over 4,000 orphaned children had received health assistance and support this year.

According to him, the Department of Labor and Social Affairs in Herat is also committed to supporting educational initiatives and creating opportunities for street children.

Talks have been held with the Education Department and UNICEF’s education section, with progress being made in this area.

sa/ma

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