Bolivia: Aid for working children
Child labor is widespread in Bolivia. In the mining city of Potosí, Terre des Hommespartner organization PASOCAP helps working children fight for their right to education—and for their right to decent work.
Selena is 15 years old, works in a bakery, and is in 11th grade. "My days start early," she says, "and on weekends I help sell clothes. I'm lucky because my parents are always there for me when I'm trying to juggle school, work, and leisure time."
Selena is one of many working children and teenagers in the Bolivian mining city of Potosí. Some of them even toil under dangerous conditions. For example, in the mines, because tin, copper, and silver are mined in Potosí. The children have to earn money because the adults in their families don't earn enough to pay for food, clothing, and shelter.
No child should have to work. But in Potosí, that's often a distant dream. Many children and young people are against a blanket ban on child labor because they fear slipping into illegality, where they can be exploited even more easily.
"I am involved in the Youth Council of Working Children in Potosí. I am proud to work and still be a dreamer. I want to fight for decent work and build a better future for our community."
Selena also finds it much more urgent to protect children from immediate dangers and exploitation. She is supported in this by Terre des Hommespartner organization PASOCAP (Pastoral Social Caritas Potosí). At their center, she meets with other working children and teenagers. There are games and a theater group, homework help, meals, and counseling for working children, where they can discuss their future and their educational and training opportunities. They also have many discussions about what rights working children should have and how they can claim them. When it comes to their situation and their concerns, they want to be heard and have a say. There is also the opportunity
to complete an apprenticeship in the center's own bakery and continue earning money.
Selena enjoys coming to the PASOCAP center. "Here I've found friends with whom I can share my experiences as a young person in the working world and my dreams for the future. And I have a great passion for dance, music, and theater."
