Children like Wilson Peter and Dai Manju have adult responsibility placed upon them at an early age. They are a vital component to the income of their homes. Working in mines and having to give up an education are definitely no way for a child to live. In the case of Wilson Peter of Mererani, Tanzania, he has to work in the Tanzanite mines. He is asked about the dangers of the mine and what he fears. He says, “I could just fall in the mine. You can slip and fall. The mine can collapse on you. While sifting, you swallow the dust. You can get really hurt. “ Dai Manju lived in the Dabie Mountains of China. She had to drop out of school to help around the house and work to bring funds into the household. The initial opportunity to acquire an education was stripped from her. Thus the question is asked, why the children? Many children are made to work because their parents simply are not making enough money to support the family. This opens up the door for the children to be exploited. Why should the children have to suffer? Organizations such as the Good Hope Program of Mererani and Nivasa sponsor children being exploited and enslaved. The Good Hope Program of Mererani takes young men and train them in a trade such as mechanics or farming. Nivasa is an organization in Sri Lanka that provides financial assistance to victims of human trafficking to help them raise and educate their children. If there can be aid given to the families suffering, similar to Nivasa, there would be no need for the children to have to work. Also, the children are being educated, why not the parents? Of course they have to work to live, but what if there were funds allocated to assisting the parents while they go to school and can get better paying jobs in factories or offices? Kids should be able to enjoy their childhood and begin an education. I feel as though the rescue efforts wait for the child to be in trouble to intervene and help. It seems more sensible and effective to address the issue at the stem rather than wait for the children to get involved.
