The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
By Judy Pettersen There are many issues around the world affecting our environment. I usually write about the ones that have a bearing on our health or on the future of Mother Earth. But there are other types of environmental problems that need to be addressed. For instance, that of children who are enslaved. UNICEF estimates that 126 million child labourers are involved in work that is Dirty, Dangerous and Degrading: an environment in which they spend 24 hours a day. In fact, children represent over half of the people being trafficked around the world. For every child sold into prostitution, another nine are forced to work in factories, sweatshops, farms and boats. Child slavery is the consequence of poverty, powerlessness, and discrimination. These little ones are preyed on by people who give them or their parents false promises for better lives and decent working conditions. Once tricked into working for nothing, they often suffer from poor health and a complete lack of care or interest in their condition. They're subjected to long hours of labour for no pay. Many are unable to escape this life. Even as I write this, there are child slaves dying who have never experienced a normal childhood. You and I have several ways to help child victims. We can ask our own government to play a role in highlighting the situation and calling other governments to account. We can insist that large corporations pay attention to this issue. We can help shine a spotlight on the welfare of these children. To do just that, World Vision is running a 'Help Wanted' campaign, and everyone that signs up becomes another voice speaking for the helpless. Please sign the pledge by going online to http://voices.worldvision.ca/help_wanted If you don't have a computer, drop by the Flin Flon Public Library and ask for the petition on ending child slavery. Let's make it possible for these kids to get health care, an education and a future. We try to give our own children a sense of being loved and cared for. Please help advocate for those who have no one to speak on their behalf. Let's be a voice for them, and help them with our actions. For more information, go to www.endchildslavery.ca Be part of the solution. Sign the petition and also give some thought to sponsoring a child. We can change their futures, if we only care enough. Judy Pettersen is a Flin Flon writer.
