For my first passion blog post I will be focusing on children living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically those working as children miners.To paint a picture of the increased epidemic of child labor, the International Labor organization did a survey.In their findings, they found that with the estimated 215 child laborers,115 million work in extremely hazardous conditions.In the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most dangerous types of child labor is artisanal mining.Artisanal mining requires plucking of rocks from tunneling or loose surfaces which can lead to rock slides.

Some of the statistics found in doing the survey were staggering.19 percent of the children have witnessed another child dying a the mine site, while another 87 experience severe body pain.The problem with these young children working at the mine sites is the fact that as we all know, their bodies are continually maturing and developing.The extreme and heavy work can cause bone and muscle deformities and permanently damage the bones growth. The continual exposure to Uranium and Mercury are also extremely harmful to the developing child's brain.In fact,since children breathe more deeply and faster then adults, they breathe in more airborne pathogens as well.

These children are forced to work every day with little time for family,little to nor breaks, and no time for normal childhood activities.Many of these children are the sole bread winners for families.Many of the children miners have had to drop out of school because the lack of funds, or the inability to attend class because of constant illness.It is not by choice that these children work in these dangerous environments, but it is a sad way of life for at least 40 percent of the children.There is no regulations placed n these environments, so until a set of rules are put into place, children as young as 8 years of age will be thrust into these sites and left with no childhood or peace of mind.But regulations are simply not enough.There's a lot to be focused on in the DRC such as child soldiers,sexual assaults, and forced marriages. The.The epidemic of poverty and malnourishment are rampant and the leading cause to many of these issues.All these children want is a chance to leave put their dreams, the same way that many of us hope to accomplish.But with limited support and resources, and danger extremely prevalent, there is no chance for them unless we put in a concerted effort to a help them in any way possible.



"With one king gesture you can change a life.One person at a time you can change the world.One day at a time we can change everything." -Dr. Steven Maraboli