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When Bijoy was 16, he was rescued by an NGO working to free children engaged in hard

labour. He was taken to a center, where he underwent an intensive rehabilitation programme
to take care of his physical, psychological, behavioural and educational needs. Bijoy then

returned to his hometown to live with his aunt, who supported him with the help of the
NGO so that he could attend school.

Today Bijoy is happy to be back at school and savours his new found freedom. He plays

football and dreams of becoming a bank manager one day.

The Story of Aasha

At the age of 10, Aasha was sent by her own family to a landlord’s house to become a
househelp. She was made to work from 5 am to 11 pm every day. Her chores included

washing up, cooking, taking care of the children, cleaning the house and collecting cow
dung.

Aasha was given only leftovers after the entire family had finished lunch and dinner. She
was also ill-treated by the family.
Once she was beaten so badly

that her left leg was fractured. As
she was permanently disabled

due to the injury, she was sent
home.

Fortunately, Aasha came into

contact with an NGO. She was
provided with a scholarship and

counselling services through a
local facilitator.

Initially, Aasha was pessimistic

and felt hopeless. But after she
started attending school, she regained confidence and decided to rebuild her life.

Today, Aasha is studying for a Bachelor’s degree. She wants to take up the cause of children

who are forced into doing work and also to fight for their rights to go to school!

Child Labour - A Social Evil

There are many more who are like Bijoy and Aasha. Today it is estimated that globally, 168
million children, most of them under the age of 14, are employed as labourers, often in very

hazardous conditions.

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