The promotion and protection of the rights of children in the
mining sector have been a key focus of SVSS. Recognizing the
vulnerability of children in this industry, SVSS has undertaken various
initiatives to address child rights violations, ensure access to
education, and combat child labour and physical harassment.
SVSS
has dedicated efforts to reach out to villages, rural areas, and remote
regions where mining activities are prevalent. These areas often lack
basic infrastructure and resources, making children more susceptible to
exploitation and denying them their fundamental rights. SVSS has
actively engaged with primary schools in these areas to identify and
support children who have dropped out of school due to various reasons
related to the mining sector.
Through collaborative
efforts with government authorities and formal schools, SVSS has
successfully reintegrated approximately 2,000 dropout children into
mainstream education. These children have been provided with the
opportunity to resume their formal schooling, enabling them to access
quality education and pursue their dreams. SVSS has worked closely with
local communities, parents, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for
the importance of education and the rights of children.
In
addition to facilitating access to education, SVSS has also taken
proactive measures to combat child labour in the mining sector. The
organization has raised awareness about the detrimental impact of child
labour on children’s physical and mental well-being, and has
collaborated with mining companies, government bodies, and civil society
organizations to enforce child labour laws and regulations. SVSS has
conducted training programs and workshops to sensitize stakeholders
about the rights of children and the need to create safe and
child-friendly working environments.
SVSS has also
prioritized the protection of children from physical harassment in the
mining sector. The organization has implemented child protection
mechanisms, including awareness campaigns, training sessions, and the
establishment of reporting mechanisms, to address and prevent incidents
of physical abuse. SVSS works closely with law enforcement agencies,
local authorities, and community leaders to ensure that perpetrators are
held accountable for their actions and that children are safeguarded
from harm.
Through its comprehensive approach, SVSS
strives to create an environment in the mining sector where children’s
rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. By promoting access to
education, combating child labour, and addressing physical harassment,
SVSS aims to empower children and provide them with the necessary tools
and support to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of
their circumstances in the mining sector. This project was funded by
Terre des hommes, Germany with 3000 beneficiaries.