Passing On the Word
We've come across an excellent organization that is doing some especially effective global work to help the plight of exploited children. It's called "Free the Children." The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 250 million child laborers (age 14 and under) around the world, half of them working full-time. In its Mission Statement, Free the Children lists two major focuses: (1) to free youth from exploitation and provide the opportunity for an education; and (2) to empower youth. Its first goal is to stop the abuse of children around the world. Actions are taken in order to work against the many forms of child exploitation, including that of harmful child labor, situations of sexual abuse and children in armed conflict.

This unique organization is set up and run by children, for children, which is why it is so powerful and effective. In any human-rights struggle, the first step is to become informed. Information is power. Being upset about child labor is not enough. The challenge to each one of us is to find out what are the underlying causes. The next step is to get involved and be part of the solution.

If you or your children would like to know more about this organization and what you can do to effectively participate, we recommend the book, Free the Children, written by its founder Craig Kielburger. Also, we encourage you to check out their beautifully constructed and informative web site. We think you will be amazed and surprised at how this organization was founded, how it has developed, and the various projects it has created for changing the lives of children and their families.

http://www.freethechildren.com