Education unionists from Burundi, Mali, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe came together in Malawi to learn about successful local efforts to end child labour. From 1 to 6 December 2024, coordinators and project leaders spearheading the unions’ work against child labour had the opportunity to exchange know-how and good practice in a transformative study visit.
Participants visited schools within the Chigudu child labour-free zone implemented by Education International member organisations in Malawi, the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) and PSEUM, and engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening union strategies to eradicate child labour and promote quality education. Described as a "journey of insight and collaboration" by one participant, the study visit had a profound impact on those attending.
Field visits to three schools in the Chigudu child labour-free zone provided a first-hand look at the progress achieved through local and international collaboration. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure, a high teacher-to-pupil ratio, a lack of textbooks, and a lack of essential facilities like water and gendered toilets, the enrolment in the child labour-free zone increased from 9,000 to over 10,700 students during the project.
During the field visits, students performed theatre plays and songs to illustrate their commitment to combating child labour. Their performances employ the Supporting Children's Rights through Education, the Arts, and the Media (SCREAM) methodology which is widely used by teacher unions in Malawi and Uganda in the fight against child labour and school-related gender-based violence. It is an interactive approach using creative tools like theatre, art, music, and media to engage young people, educators, and communities in understanding and advocating for children's rights.
Meetings with headmasters, teachers, community leaders, and school representatives further enriched the experience by offering insights into the strategies employed in the child labour-free zone.
The participants attended social dialogue sessions, engaging with parents, community chiefs, representatives of parent-teacher associations, and associations of mothers and teachers to discuss education-related issues. Promoting social dialogue through local structures to enhance democratic participation is a key component of the child labour project in Malawi.
Interactive sessions complemented the field visits. These activities encouraged participants to share lessons learned and develop actionable solutions for their respective countries. A key takeaway was the emphasis on government advocacy and accountability, bolstered by the involvement of mothers' associations. Participants also suggested integrating climate change education into child labour awareness initiatives, recognising its growing relevance to children's rights and education.
The study trip underscored the power of collaboration and grassroots initiatives in combating child labour. Participants expressed gratitude to the people of Malawi for their hospitality and commitment to this cause. As project coordinators reflected on the mission, one remarked that "this experience reaffirms that we are part of a larger movement striving for change. Together, we can create a brighter future for all children."
The field mission was organised and funded by Education International, the German GEW Fair Childhood Foundation, and the Dutch AOb and FNV Mondiaal.