Title: Children working in coltan mining quarries: a growing concern for AFEMDCO
Introduction :
The presence of children in coltan mining quarries in the Nyunzu territory (Tanganyika) raises serious concerns. The Association of Women for Community Development (AFEMDCO) is sounding the alarm about the growing number of children dropping out of school to work in these mines. In this article, we will explore the concerns of AFEMDCO and the importance of getting these children out of mining careers and back on the path to education.
The alarming observation from AFEMDCO:
According to Nénette Mwange, national coordinator of AFEMDCO, many children are currently present in the coltan mining quarries of Nyunzu. And this, despite the fact that classes resumed a month ago. This situation is all the more worrying as the Congolese government recently introduced free education. Despite this measure, children continue to desert classrooms to rush to mining quarries.
The disastrous consequences for children:
Child labor in mining quarries has harmful consequences on their development and their future. They are exposed to dangerous working conditions, with risks of injuries, accidents or even tunnel collapse. Furthermore, these children are deprived of their fundamental right to education, which compromises their chances of having a better future.
The call from AFEMDCO and NGOs:
Faced with this worrying situation, AFEMDCO launches an urgent appeal to NGOs and all stakeholders to intervene and protect children exploited in coltan mining quarries. The objective is to remove them from these precarious working conditions and reintegrate them into the education system. AFEMDCO also recalls that this problem is recurrent and that measures must be taken to prevent and combat child labor in mines.
Actions taken:
Since the 2020-2021 school year, AFEMDCO has already succeeded in getting 500 children out of mining quarries in the province of Tanganyika. This organization sets up awareness programs to inform families of the dangers of child labor and encourage them to send their children to school. In addition, it works in collaboration with other NGOs to offer concrete solutions, such as the establishment of learning centers and academic support for reintegrated children.
Conclusion :
The massive presence of children in coltan mining quarries in Nyunzu is a worrying problem that requires immediate and concerted action. AFEMDCO and other local actors commit to fighting child labor and guaranteeing their right to education. It is crucial to raise awareness, strengthen prevention measures and provide adequate support to ensure a better future for children in the region. The fight against child labor in mines is an essential fight to promote sustainable development and the development of Congolese children.