Brazil - Brazzil Mag - Child Labor Seen as Good for Country and Kids by Brazilians

The International Labor Organization's (ILO) projects coordinator, Renato Mendes, believes that child labor is seen as natural by families that have children and youngsters in this condition and that it is not simply a question of poverty.

"It is culturally accepted that child labor is good for the child and for the country," he said, referring to a report released June 22 by the ILO on workers in the 5-18 age bracket on pineapple plantations in the northeastern Brazilian state of Paraíba.

The study found that, besides the lack of money, the lack of social policies and school structure act as incentives for children to work.

That is why Mendes judges that withdrawing children from the labor market, even though essential, is not enough. "Their time must be occupied in an educational and instructive way."

The three activities to which these youngsters devoted most of their time were sowing, weeding, and fertilizing. Working for 9-12 hours daily, they were exposed to strong sun, rain, dust, and chemical products that can cause cancer.

The study also discovered a 65.1% index of grade repetition in school. The "workers" reported that they experienced fatigue and body pains and, therefore, did not attend classes the way they should have.

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written by Guest, 2006-06-24 17:21:48

truly, one has to laugh when a brazilian talks negatively about the american educational system.

At least there is a near 100% attendance rate!

We don't send our children out to work in cancer causing conditions.

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written by Guest, 2006-06-24 18:31:19

Ok dude, we dont have 100% attendance rate here, don't be ridiculous

With words and promises....
written by Guest, 2006-06-24 18:32:08

....Brazil is against children labor.

But....but.....in reality.....Brazil is pro
children labor.

Simply stated, this is a cheap labor, same as the slaves and the poors.

They have no intention to change anything.

Not even a good education for all ! Why should they spend money for people they decided will at best be a poor worker !!!!!

An insult to human dignity and a shame to humanity.....so is Brazil !

Bob
written by Guest, 2006-06-25 05:46:25

Everyone benifits with having children work.
The rich and middleclass have Maids, Nannys, and workers.
the poor benifit because they get extra income
the police because there are less kids on the streets stiffing glue
the politians because they will always have a place where they need help and get relected again and agian.
The united nations because they will always have people to do studies
So there is no need to ever get rid of this system.

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written by Guest, 2006-06-25 13:56:12

quote:

"Ok dude, we dont have 100% attendance rate here, don't be ridiculous."

I said "nearly" a 100% attendance rate.

And, for children up to 16 years of age the United States does nearly have a 100% attendance rate. Principally because it is a law where parents can go to jail for their children not attnding school.

Do you want to see the attendance statistics?

antonio
written by Guest, 2006-06-26 10:28:13

There should be an alternative to children workingn no question about it . .but is there a real political will in Brasil to educate there?

This can be seen as another way for people to be kept down if.

Observer
written by Guest, 2006-06-26 11:16:36

Bob...How right you are, cynical as it may sound.My Caseiro does not want my help with his kids education as then they might fly the coop and then he has no one to work the fields and gardens.

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written by Guest, 2006-06-26 22:20:47

yes, yes I would like to see statistics

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written by Alejandra, 2007-07-25 17:01:52

i blame the parents of these children...i mean why go and have so many kids if you can't support them. Parents are the pushers of child labor becasue they force them "literally"and in a more indirect way -kids choose to do it because of tough situations....