Stop Coming to School

A Child Is Meant to Learn, Not to Earn

Every year on June 12, the world observes the World Day Against Child Labour.

On this day, governments, NGOs, teachers, and social activists raise awareness about one of society's greatest injustices—child labour.

But child labour is not merely a one-day conversation. It is a reality that continues to affect millions of children around the world.

Behind every child labourer is a story—often a painful one.

Some are victims of poverty. Others are forced by circumstances beyond their control. Some leave school because of family responsibilities. Sadly, some children are silently pushed out of the very institutions that were meant to protect and educate them.

Every Child Has a Story

A few years ago, I met a boy whom I had known for more than ten years. I was surprised to learn that he had dropped out of school and had begun working as a construction helper.

He came from an economically struggling family and lived in difficult circumstances. Yet, when I spoke to him, I discovered something important.

He wanted to study.

His mother wanted him to study.

The problem was not a lack of desire. Somewhere along the way, he had lost hope that education was still possible for him.

That conversation reminded me of an uncomfortable truth:

Many children do not leave education because they do not value it. They leave because society has failed them.

Not Every Child Learns at the Same Pace

Education should never become a privilege reserved only for high-performing students.

Some children learn quickly.

Some learn slowly.

Some require encouragement.

Some require additional support.

The purpose of education is not merely to produce good examination results. Its purpose is to help every child discover their potential and grow into a responsible and empowered individual.

When institutions value statistics more than students, we have misunderstood the true purpose of education.

Every child deserves dignity, patience, and opportunity.

Why Child Labour Exists

Child labour is often the result of multiple factors, including:

• Poverty.
• Educational inequality.
• Family circumstances.
• Social discrimination.
• Lack of awareness.
• Limited access to quality education.
• Economic pressures.

It is important to remember that child labour is rarely a child's choice.

Children are not responsible for the circumstances that place them in difficult situations.

Education Changes Lives

Governments and organisations continue to work towards reducing child labour by promoting education and providing support to economically vulnerable families.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and injustice.

An educated child becomes:

• An empowered individual.
• A responsible citizen.
• A contributor to society.
• A voice for justice and equality.

Illiteracy continues to contribute to many social problems. Investing in children's education is one of the greatest investments we can make as a society.

What Can We Do?

You may not be able to end child labour by yourself.

But you can make a difference in someone's life.

If you meet a child or teenager who has dropped out of school:

• Encourage them.
• Listen to their story.
• Help them explore opportunities to continue their education.
• Support organisations that work for children's welfare.
• Advocate for inclusive and compassionate education.

Sometimes, a simple conversation can become the turning point in a child's life.

A Final Thought

Children are not meant to carry the burdens of adulthood.

They are meant to learn, dream, play, and grow.

A child belongs in a classroom—not a factory, construction site, or workplace.

Before we ask whether child labour still exists, perhaps we should ask:

What kind of society are we creating for our children?

Every child deserves an opportunity to learn.

Every child deserves dignity.

Every child deserves hope.

A child is meant to learn, not to earn.

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Originally written for World Day Against Child Labour 2022 and revised in 2026.

Article by
Rev. Dn. R. Daniel Justine