Protect and Support 500 Working Children in Nepal

Over the past year, this project has made a massive difference to child labourers and children who at risk of entering exploitative work in Myagdi district, West Nepal.  One such child is Ram.

Ram, 16 years old, has lived in the small village of Dhairing in Parbat District all his life.  Because of extreme poverty and lack of fertile land, his parents were forced to work on other people’s land offering wages enough for just a hand to mouth existence.  Due to this extreme situation, Ram dropped out of school at the age of 11 and began working as a seasonal agricultural labourer and stonebreaker.

One of REEC’s community workers came across Ram and began the long process of rehabilitation, with the aim of giving him an opportunity of a better life.  Ram became involved in a Child Rights Club but was unwilling to be enrolled into school.  He expressed interest in taking up tailoring training.  REEC supported him on a six month tailoring course along with an apprenticeship placement.  He successfully completed the training and has now been provided with a sewing machine and all the necessary equipment to set up his own tailoring shop.  This will meet not only his needs but also the needs of his family.  He is determined that his sister continues her education and does not have to take the tough path that he was compelled to take.  He is also involved in savings activities within his Child Rights Club in Dhairing and is also saving with a local cooperative.  When he was supported with the sewing machine, he commented:

"The programme conducted by REEC is supporting many child labourers like me so I would like to express my great thanks to REEC and its supporters.  This programme is creating awareness on our rights and is changing our life becoming dignified citizens.”