Financial crisis sees increase in child labour

THE increase in children selling food on the streets is a direct result of the financial crisis families in some communities were in.

This was the word from Lami District Council of Social Service president Asaeli Naisoro.

He said parents made jobless because of COVID-19 were overwhelmed with trying to put food on the table while trying to prepare them for school.

Mr Naisoro said some parents in Lami claimed they would not be able to send their children to school because uniforms now cost $50 and boarding fees of up to $1000 were beyond their financial reach.

He said many parents claimed they were unable to buy sandals and bags because they simply could not afford it.

“So far, parents in Lami have informed us that they can only afford to buy stationery or books,” he said.

“Some parents claim that one pair of ready-made uniforms cost nearly $50.

“It is even more costly for students who will be going to boarding school because parents will need to have at least $1000 to purchase the required stuff from school like wooden chests, etc.”

He said all the people raising the issue with him had lost jobs because of COVID-19.

“As a council, we are trying our best to look for ways to assist parents in Lami send their kids to school.”

Mr Naisoro said some single mothers in Lami had started small businesses where they sold food to meet their children’s school needs.

“This is why we have seen an increase in children selling food on our streets.”