UPL National Area Needs – Addressing Child Labour through our sustainable programme “United Against Child Labour” – UPL Pragati

“Children shouldn’t work in fields, but on Dreams”

Child labour can be defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and dignity. Today, 152 million children are still in child labour. Although child labour occurs in almost all sectors, seven out of ten is in agriculture. Millions of children are forced into child labour due to poverty and illiteracy. This is a cultural issue that need to be addressed in a holistic manner. Considering the magnitude and extent of the problem Advanta has initiated a unique drive at seed production field to combat the child labour issue and work towards the National goal of eliminating child labour at their fields by supporting Education, Health and Sanitation of the children in production villages through a unique initiative “United Against Child Labour” (UACL).

The project team conducted Mega Awareness Campaign programs at production villages to create awareness and major emphasis was to work on zero child labor through sensitization and mobilization programs. Advanta has conducted the programs in the regions of Lonar (MH), Rewari (Haryana), Lunawada (Gujarat), Kanpur (UP), Ranibennur (Karnataka), Koppal (Karnataka) covering all production zones. A total of 1796 direct growers from 749 seed production villages, 72 Advanta staff, 99 third party field staff, 39 government staff and 244 from NGO’s have participated in the program. With this initiative, it was expected, that there will be impact on reduction of children engagement in seed production fields and would get the children back to the schools.

Glimpse of the event observed across location:

Our first awareness program “United Against Child Labour” was held in Jambhora of Buldana district in Maharashtra, India on 21^st Nov 2018 to create awareness on issues related to child labour along with emphasis on importance of education for children.

Observed “World Day Against Child Labour” 2019

Highlights of the year 2021

Apart from these programs, UACL is also focusing on providing accessories like science lab, computer lab, sports kits, school bags, notebooks, LED TV, Projectors, Desks and tables, dining items, mobile toilets, to school children who are attending schools regularly. More than 1400 plus students benefited through this initiative, sensitized 157 growers/villagers. The event was attended by 34 Government officials, around 68 Advanta team and field staff volunteered for the event.