Vulnerable children back in School by mobilising communities and strengthening local authorities

Hundreds of children are picked up from each village during the cotton and chilli harvesting season in the impoverished districts of North Karnataka to harvest the crop. This is a reality even in 21st Century India and in a more developed state like Karnataka. The farm owners and their Contractors find the nimble fingers of children best suited for harvesting cotton and chilli, without damaging the buds and flowers in the plant. Tractor loads of children are transported to these farms and miss out on school for several days during the harvest season. A recent survey shows that over 65% of these children are below the age of 14.

DF, along with our local partners plan to sensitize and raise awareness of this de-humanizing practice. Children’s Clubs will be formed where children come together to play, learn, and slowly open to one another. Child Participation will be promoted, and children will learn about their rights. Teachers in schools and the local communities will be sensitized of the evils of unsafe work and the negative implications on the future of children. Children will find representation in the Panchayats (Village Development Committees) to discuss the issue of children working from a Child’s perspective. Lobby and Advocacy will take place to tighten the Control Mechanisms and to put an end to this ongoing practice. Our aim is to make children in unsafe environments in the chili and cotton fields of North Karnataka a narrative of the past.