There are an estimated 12 million child labourers in India between the ages of five and 14. These children, robbed of their childhood, are forced to work in gruesome conditions or sold to human traffickers.

Yakub is one of the many children who have benefitted from The Salvation Army's Brighter Futures Children Sponsorship program in India. When children receive an education, they are less likely to fall victim to child labour.

Due to the generosity of our donors, the lives of Yakub and other children are forever changed. With new shoes, a uniform, textbooks and paid school fees, they can look forward to a brighter future. Education is one way for them to avoid abuse as child labourers – the fate of too many young people in India.

Hard Facts of Child Labour

At least 90 percent of child labourers in India work in textile factories, roadside restaurants or hotels. Many other children in rural areas are employed in agriculture. In the short term, this helps with family income but the long-term effects have serious and negative impacts. Due to lack of education, children grow up to be low-wage earning adults and as a result, their children will also be pressured to work to support the family.

Child labour has negative physiological and psychological effects on children. They are more likely to experience isolation and depression, which often prevents them from developing healthy emotions. Children are also at a higher risk of developmental delays as a result of the health risks of working in dangerous conditions and from taking on job duties that are far too advanced for them. More importantly, children miss the opportunity to build positive relationships.

The Salvation Army Brighter Futures Children's Sponsorship

Brighter Futures is a sponsorship program that provides children with the opportunity to attend school, after-school programs and daycare's in a safe environment. Some children from the most poverty-stricken families live in Salvation Army Children's homes, where they also receive nutritious meals, health care and participate in recreational activities.

Click here to learn more about Brighter Futures Children's Sponsorship.

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