Programmes for Working Children

Working children are the epitomy of abuse and exploitation. They are often the victims their employers and sometimes, even their parents. A childhood earmarked by nature for fun and frolic, education and enlightenment, is ruined by the compulsion to earn money.

The VST is currently helping 325 working children in and around Dindigul Town. Many live in the slums, while others live on the street.

Many jobs involve working in hazardous conditions. It is not uncommon to read in newspapers of tragedies relating to fireworks; many accidents are fatal to the children involved. In Dindigul, the risk to children from tanneries and metal tinkering is particularly high.

Working children become accustomed to factories where chemicals, foul smoke, dazzling light and deafening noise threaten their health and impede their overall development.

For this reason, the main thrust of our programmes concern:

• Education.
• Raising awareness of health, safety and hygiene issues.
• Warning of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
• Enlightenment on the causes of diseases, and how to prevent them.