INDIA: The MVF Program International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Background Ranga Reddy district: High unemployment Very high illiteracy Whole families in bondage Few teachers Poor reach & quality of education

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Objectives MVF’s goal since early 90s: Total elimination of child & bonded child labor in district Strategy of mainstreaming into formal school system Target group all children from 5 to 14

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Involves 2 different but inter-related processes: Camp-based bridge course Community driven home to school process

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Camp-based bridge course: Ensures children join same age group in formal school within 3-4 months For children in age group, special one year coaching camp

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Community driven home to school: Community backed Children of all ages

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Problems & achievements Operation expanded in 3 villages in 1991 to 500 in villages child labor free All children below 11 in formal schools in more than 400 villages Nearly 5,000 girls in school More than 4,000 bonded laborers released 15,000 working children in mainstream school through bridge courses

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Problems & achievements Over 8,000 trained youth volunteers contribute Over 1,600 education activists participate Forum of 1,000 government teachers will continue campaign

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Lessons learned The camps: Family dependency on child income broken Parental fears reduced regarding education Peer pressure among children in camps to enrol in school Visible impact against child labor

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Lessons learned Community driven home to school program Sustainable change in attitude & action Withdrawal seen as integral part of sending child to school Greater appreciation of communities’ major role

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Lessons learned MVF program applicable where: In rural & urban areas with formal school infrastructure Strong local organization Monitoring can be carried out

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Key conditions for success Effective community based organization Motivated staff Training capability Organizational capacity in camps

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Key initiatives Develop strong rapport with community Demonstrate 1 successful camp Demonstrate full enrolment in 1 village through community support

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Replicability MVF model applied in Andhra Pradesh & several states and cities

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC