Government is pulling all stops to bring to an end the worst forms of child labour in the country especially in agriculture industry. Victoria Diogo, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security said government has put in place a National Action Plan to combat child labour with various stakeholders.
The agreement covers three main areas of activity, including most importantly education and community training, awareness and communication and also capacity building and revision of the legal framework.
The memorandum signatories undertook to work on capacity building and revision of the legal framework, training of judges, police officers, the labour inspectors, health and other public administration bodies in matters related to the worst forms of child labour.
Diogo said the action plan requires joint efforts, not depending only on government and the partnership is a clear sign of openness and alignment of cooperation partners in relation to government policies.
“The implementation of this memorandum will enable the creation of a platform of room for greater interaction with the various stakeholders in the design and implementation of joint programs in the fields of advocacy, education and community training, awareness and communication and capacity review of the legal framework, basic assumptions for strengthening the rights of children, especially those in poverty and at risk,” Diogo said.
In education and training, calls for the formation of community leaders, teachers, religious leaders and prominent community members in child labour matters, particularly in its worst forms.
The action plan also intend implementing training programs for the benefit of families affected by the worst forms of child labour, particularly those engaged in tobacco cultivation in order to ensure alternative sources of income.
In addition, focus on production and dissemination of awareness messages on community radio stations, translated into local languages, the realization of national and provincial seminars on the worst forms of child labour.
David Hammond, Executive Director of ECLT said that he was proud to be a partner of the government’s endeavours.
“There’s about ten years that the foundation is committed to eliminate child labour in the province of Tete and has we achieved great results in this fight, but we want to win even more, “he said.
In another development, Hammond said that intends to be part of the solution to this problem, making a difference.
“As a parent, I feel joyful when children have access to education and to what they are entitled. We have an experienced team that can help Mozambique eradicate the worst forms of child labour, “he said.
