GUATEMALA: Retalhuleu Stone Quarries 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 Retalhuleu: 120 miles from Guatemala City 189 families involved in stone crushing on bank of Samala river More than 500 children between 5 & 15 work They suffer respiratory & other ailments from dust, heat, effort & injuries
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Objectives Program launched 1998 for two years to: Progressively withdraw children & provide alternatives Incorporate child labor into social development agenda Create awareness Implementing agency Habitat, supported by IPEC
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Preliminary study led to action plan for: Health Education Economic alternatives Communication & community participation Research & documentation
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Workshop & Seminars: 700 teachers & principals in teaching & skill enhancing 300 children in street theater production against drop-out 54 families in nutrition workshop 100 families in micro-enterprise training programs Commuity members trained as basic health educators
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Problems & achievements 121 children withdrawn 240 children at school 30 families in alternative work 10 families formed cooperative & bought rock-crushing equipment 247 people given medical attention
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Lessons learned Program highlights importance of community involvement & integrated process Confidence building through health fairs Challenge Changing views & attitudes
IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC