Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Medellín (Agenzia Fides) - In the region of Sinifaná, rich in coal mines, mining is used in the traditional and illegal way, and children are used as a source of cheap production. In the local culture, tradition considers child labor in the mines normal, which is an economic contribution to their families. In the area about 6 000 children were involved in the work in the mines. Thanks to the Salesian work "Ciudad Don Bosco", in collaboration with various government agencies and NGOs involved in protecting the rights of working children, a program in their favour has been established that allows them to get closer to families and offer children new educational opportunities, health care, nutrition, formation to values and rights. Among the objectives of the Salesians there is the promotion of integral preventive action so that children do not end up in the mines, right to education, training for a job other than mining. Currently about 300 children and young people have benefitted from the project. 40% of those included in the program were miners and 80% of the total is between the ages of 10 and 15. The children receive lunch, a snack, recreation programs, sports, culture, nutrition and psychology. There is also a work of reinforcing education. 160 young people between 15 and 18 are formed in five areas: tailoring, woodworking, metalworking, automotive mechanics. Thanks to this project the number of children working in coal mines in the region has decreased by 70%. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 13/6/2012)
