New documentary on child labour in Madagascar´s mica mines
On World Children´s Day, Terre des Hommes Netherlands officially launched the powerful documentary ´Ending Child Labour in the Mica Mines of Madagascar´.
Hidden crisis
Shockingly, an estimated ten thousand Malagasy children, some as young as four, work in Madagascar's mica mines, enduring harsh, unsafe conditions for meagre wages. These children face chronic food insecurity, respiratory problems, and a lack of access to basic services, including education and healthcare. This hidden crisis demands urgent attention.
Harsh realities of child labour
The documentary uncovers the harsh realities of child labour in Madagascar’s mica mines, featuring the heartfelt stories of children and parents who have been directly affected. It also includes insights from Terre des Hommes Netherlands’ experts and strategic partners.
The documentary sheds light on the interventions of the FAMAHA project - a project aimed at eliminating child labour in Madagascar’s mica sector. These interventions include educational support for children and alternative income-generating activities for families.
¨I am happy¨
One of the stories from the documentary is about Hanitra, a 12-year-old girl from Madagascar. Hanitra worked in the mica mines for a year. "I worked because we had no money, so that we could eat," she said. "Mica mining is tiring and makes me cough." Thanks to the FAMAHA project, Hanitra and 1,200 other children were able to leave the mines and return to school. "Since I quit working in the mica mines, I've been going to school. I'm happy and not sick anymore. When I grow up, I want to be a midwife."
Make a difference
“We hope that this documentary will spark a global movement to end child labour in all forms. You and I have a duty to protect children. They have the right to go to school and play.” - Tsinjoharinosy Rahaingoarivelo, Country Programme Manager, Terre des Hommes Netherlands.
The rights of thousands of children in Madagascar are at stake. As part of the Responsible Mica Initiative, we have embarked on a crucial mission to end child labour in the mica mines of Madagascar. Ending child labour in mica mines is a challenging journey, but with your support we will make it.
Join us to help stop child labour in the mica mines.
