Visual storytelling - News Rewriting Assignment
Name: OSEI ANGELA BOATEMAA
Index Number: BABJ28034
Group: 3
Group News Agency: Ghana News Agency. AFRICAN’S UNFULFILLED PROMISE : 2025 Child Labor Deadline Looms"
In many regions of Africa, children begin to envision their future aspirations at a
remarkably young age, often between the ages of 4 years and 6 years . At this
tender stage, they dream of becoming Doctors, Teachers, Engineers and more are
inspired by their surroundings, family members and the stories they hear.
As they grow more older typically between 7 and 12 years these dreams
become more defined, shaped by their education . We all have big dreams for the
future. But for countless children across Africa, these dreams are often
overshadowed by the harsh realities of child labor. Economic hardship and
societal pressures.
Picture a young boy who spends his days roaming and picking up bottle cans,
metals (Scrap Collector) sell it to people before he get his first meal. His dreams
of becoming a Doctor fading with each passing day.
Child labor is not just a statistic, it’s a heartbreaking reality that steals childhood
and restrain potential across Africa.
A 10 year old boy lost his dad when he was in primary 4 . His mom was 6 months pregnant when his
husband left this world. The unbearable pain and lack of financial support lead Haruna, a 10 year old
boy dropped out of school to be a scrap collector. To be able to cater for his mom and the unborn
child.
One sunny Saturday , Haruna woke up early as usual , brushed his teeth ,looked back and said to his
mom “ Im leaving,I will be back with food “ Tears kept dropping from his moms eyes as if it was
raining.
Haruna left with the intention of bringing food . On his way crossing the road he was knocked
down by a truck. And that was the end of the young 10 year boy who took the burden of parenting
upon his shoulders.
Kofi Annan quoted that , “There is no greater injustice, than the exploitation of children.we must do
everything we can to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) ,Approximately 138 million children were
engaged in child labor worldwide in 2024.
Child labor comprises work that children are too young to perform by its nature or circumstance, is
likely to harm children health , safety or morals. Not all works are classified as child labor but all work
performed by children under 12 and any hazardous work is considered child labor and must be
prohibited.
Children who undergo any hazardous work is said to be in sub- Saharan Africa , Latin America ,
Caribbean, Asia and Pacific. These are the places where child at younger ages work and parents stay
to watch them do hazardous work.
Benjamin Smith , an ILO expert In child laboring said, out of the 138 million children in child labor,
54 million works in hazardous condition ,including ,mines, Farming , carrying materials or mixing
cement, selling on the streets, fishing and doing illegal works. They involve in all of these because of
poverty .
Aside the hazardous work these child laborers face health hazards due to the nature of their work
and environment they find themselves.
Some of the health risks include; physical injuries:children working in agriculture, construction and
manufacturing are at high risk for accident and injuries . Mental health issues,Nutrition
deficiencies,Infection Disease, vision problem and more.
In conclusion , Child labor remains a pervasive issue affecting millions of
children around the world, depriving them of their fundamental rights to
education, health, and a safe environment. Despite global efforts to combat this practice, including international treaties and national laws, many children
continue to work in hazardous conditions, often in agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic service.
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