Kindu Parents Exploit Children in Commerce for School Fees

As the school year approaches in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, many families in Kindu are struggling to afford essential school supplies. This financial pressure has led to an observable increase in child labor, with numerous children actively participating in small-scale commerce to earn money for their education.

Children, both boys and girls, are frequently seen navigating the streets of Kindu daily, carrying goods such as bananas and donuts, and seeking customers. One child shared, "If I do this trade, it's because my parents don't have the means to buy me school supplies. That's why I roam the city with my merchandise to find the necessary money."

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If I do this trade, it's because my parents don’t have the means to buy me the school supplies. That’s why I roam the city with my merchandise to find the necessary money.

For some parents, involving their children in commerce is seen as a strategy to boost family income. Madame Jeanne explained, "If I do this trade with my children, it's to make my task easier. If I send one to the east and another to the west, in the evening we have a more substantial envelope. This will help me prepare for their return to school."

However, child rights organizations are raising alarms about this practice. They strongly condemn the commercial exploitation of children, emphasizing that it is illegal and punishable by law. These organizations stress that parents bear the responsibility for their children's financial needs, not the other way around. They are advocating for enhanced child protection, particularly during this holiday period as families prepare for the upcoming school term.

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If I send one to the east and another to the west, in the evening we have a more substantial envelope. This will help me prepare for their return to school.