“We dream of a developed and prosperous Bangladesh that is free from child labour in hazardous sectors like dry fish sector and metal-based factories. It is our moral responsibility to allow them to study and to develop as skilled human resources. Children should be developed not as labourers, but as skilled human resources for the future of Bangladesh.”
The speakers said this in the inception meeting, organized by the “Free Kids Project” which is implemented by YPSA and funded by Swiss Solidar. The event was organized today, 1st February (Thursday) at the Cox’s Bazar regional office of YPSA.
YPSA’ Child Labour Focal Person Mohammad Ali Shahin conducted the meeting as the moderator where Lucky Akhtar, Technical Officer of Solidar Suisse was the main speaker. The meeting was also addressed by several distinguished guests. The guest was Mr. Subrata Biswas, Deputy Director, Cox’s Bazar District Women and Child Affairs, Mr. Shahidul Azam, Cox’s Bazar District Primary Education Officer, Mr. Saifur Rahman , Sadar Upazila Education Officer, Ms. Khaleda Begum, YPSA Deputy Director were present in the meeting as a special guest with others. YPSA official Mohammad Ali Shahin presented the Free Kids project in the keynote speech.
He mentioned the growth rate of Child labour in a decade is 69 percent. Child labor is on the rise, especially in the risky sectors. Considering this, YPSA and Solidar Suisse are implementing the above-mentioned project. To improve the quality life of child laborers in Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong, YPSA and Solidar Suisse need the cooperation of public and private organizations from all quarters to implement the said project. The project is targeted to eliminate child labours from the dry fish sector (DFS) and metal factory sectors (MFS).
Ms. Lucky Akhter of Solidar Suisse said, we believe that apart from various government departments; teachers, parents, non-governmental organizations, and youth groups all have a role to play. We want to work ahead with everyone.
Other speakers said that to bring children out of hazardous labour, there is a need for technical and vocational training in safe and market-oriented trades which will develop them as skilled human resources for future Bangladesh.
The meeting was also participated by several teachers of different local schools, representatives of various voluntary organizations, and parents of child labours of dry fish and metal sectors.
