Hired Indian kids are known as "playmates" for babies or "household helps."
Recruiters rationalize that they "are doing something noble by helping feed and clothe poor village children."
Others are just looking for a profit - "earning between 3,000 and 10,000 rupees per child, as well as a percentage of the child's monthly wages."
The children make around 100 rupees a month, ($2.25) depending on their chores.
Indian government estimates that there are about 12 million children under 14 that are employed. Children activists say it is much more...maybe 5 times more.
Nevertheless, children are employed as maids, slaves, little worker bees and given just enough to subsist on.
Villagers are deceived into thinking their children will be given a better life. The moms and dads who give up their children don't know any better.
I worked with a friend in India to buy back many of the children who were sold into slavery. Some parents did NOT want their children back even though they knew the truth.
We made arrangements to provide for the returned children and other villagers became jealous and refused to allow the children to come home.
The problem is not that children become laborers. The problem is that India's village people are not educated enough to stop having and selling their youngsters.
Some of the children we bought back are grown now. These former 'child slaves' know first hand the experience they went through. Their voice is much more powerful than mine.
It may take several generations...but if enough of these children are returned, educated and become advocates, then will changes take place.
Until that time, child labor will continue to thrive in India.
Do you think there is another way to prevent child labor?
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