June 14, 2016 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
Sierra Leone on Sunday (12 June, 2016) joined other countries in the world to commemorate this year’s World Day against Child Labour, themed: “End Child Labour in Supply Chains – It’s Everyone’s Business”.
During a special event organised by the National Commission for Children, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security at the Gbanbayela community, Hill Station in Freetown, NCC Commissioner Olayinka Laggah spoke about her commission’s readiness and determination to minimise, if not, eradicate child labour in the country.
She stated that even though lots have been done by the government and other partners to improve the welfare of children, they have realised that the later were not growing up well as a result of heavy domestic chores that they are made to do.
She however noted that her commission was not against children assisting their parents in some basic domestic chores, but that such work should not affect their health, development and ability to acquire quality education in school.
“Children are working too much. We know things are not easy but children should not be over worked. Even if they want them to do hard labour, they should wait until they turn 15 years. By that time, they would have been able to read and write,” she said.
According to her, some of the children are too young for the heavy labour they are sometimes asked to do by their parents or guardians.
“We have also said children should not sell or work after 8pm,” Madam Laggah added.
Representing the Ministry of Labour, Sulaiman Massaquoi, stated that the issue of child labour was of great concern to his ministry, which is why they are working assiduously with line ministries and partners to ensure its eradication.
Chief Ya-AlimamyTuray of Old School and Sunshine Communities urged parents and guardians not to overwork their children as according to her such could affect their health and education.