Child Labour
ANOTHER DIMENSION TO CHILD LABOUR: COUNSELLING IMPLICATIONS
OMONI, G. E. PhD
Institute of Education, Delta State University, Abraka email: egonomoni@yahoo.com and IJEH, S. U. Mrs College of Education Agbor Abstract The issue of child labour is an acclaimed universal phenomenon. This paper examines the reason for child labour, the types, problems, consequences and possible solution strategies. Specifically, the paper critically discusses the positive aspects of child labour and how it can be properly managed to the advantage of all. By working and contributing economically, children are showing solidarity with their families. The paper concludes by suggesting and recommending ways of positively managing child labour. Such include vast grassroots information campaigns and counselling on the hazardous effects of child labour and its economic values. It also discusses the roles federal/state governments can play through public education and enforcement of the universal basic education goals; introduction of a modified school curriculum that puts the recipients of child labour into consideration; creating and supporting rehabilitation and integration programmes and the enactment of penalties and sanctions against perpetuators negative child labour. Key Words: Bonded child labour, child work, child trafficking, cultural practice, exploitation, child prostitution, rehabilitation, self-reliance.
Introduction: Child labour has been the main thrust of universal discussion over a period of time. Journalists, psychologists, sociologists, politicians, philanthropists and even literary artists have deliberated on and sought for ways of stopping this exploitative and hazardous phenomenon to no
28
Edo Journal of Counselling
Vol. 3, No. 1, 2010
avail. The developed, developing and under-developed countries of the world are all guilty of child labour. However, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) (1998), child labour is overwhelmingly a developing country
OMONI, G. E. PhD
Institute of Education, Delta State University, Abraka email: egonomoni@yahoo.com and IJEH, S. U. Mrs College of Education Agbor Abstract The issue of child labour is an acclaimed universal phenomenon. This paper examines the reason for child labour, the types, problems, consequences and possible solution strategies. Specifically, the paper critically discusses the positive aspects of child labour and how it can be properly managed to the advantage of all. By working and contributing economically, children are showing solidarity with their families. The paper concludes by suggesting and recommending ways of positively managing child labour. Such include vast grassroots information campaigns and counselling on the hazardous effects of child labour and its economic values. It also discusses the roles federal/state governments can play through public education and enforcement of the universal basic education goals; introduction of a modified school curriculum that puts the recipients of child labour into consideration; creating and supporting rehabilitation and integration programmes and the enactment of penalties and sanctions against perpetuators negative child labour. Key Words: Bonded child labour, child work, child trafficking, cultural practice, exploitation, child prostitution, rehabilitation, self-reliance.
Introduction: Child labour has been the main thrust of universal discussion over a period of time. Journalists, psychologists, sociologists, politicians, philanthropists and even literary artists have deliberated on and sought for ways of stopping this exploitative and hazardous phenomenon to no
28
Edo Journal of Counselling
Vol. 3, No. 1, 2010
avail. The developed, developing and under-developed countries of the world are all guilty of child labour. However, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) (1998), child labour is overwhelmingly a developing country
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