Shillong, June 12: SPARK – Bringing Light to Lives, Meghalaya, observed the World Day Against Child Labour 2026 with a week-long awareness and outreach programme under the global theme, “Secure Futures, End Child Labour: Investing in Education and Livelihoods.”The initiative emphasized the need for increased investment in social safety nets, education, and livelihood opportunities to protect children from child labour and exploitation.
Highlighting the growing concern over child labour worldwide, SPARK noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global economic challenges have pushed many vulnerable families into financial hardship, contributing to a rise in child labour cases. In response, the organization has continued its efforts to safeguard children’s rights and ensure access to education.
For the past 15 years, SPARK has been actively engaged in rescuing children from child labour and other forms of exploitation. The organization has worked consistently to reintegrate vulnerable children into the education system and provide them with opportunities for a better future.
As part of the observance, awareness programmes were conducted at Bara Bazar Slum, Mawlynrei Trianshnong, Mawlong Umsawli Village, Rangmen Village, and Mawphor Pongkung Village. The campaigns aimed to educate communities about the harmful impact of child labour, which deprives children of their education, dignity, and childhood while exposing them to abuse and exploitation.
Addressing community members, SPARK Founder and President, Shima Modak, stressed the collective responsibility of society in eradicating child labour and protecting children’s rights. She also interacted with parents, underscoring the importance of positive parenting practices and the crucial role families play in ensuring the overall development and well-being of children.
The week-long programme featured awareness campaigns, signature drives, poster exhibitions, and film screenings focusing on child labour issues. Children actively participated by carrying placards and raising awareness about child rights violations.
On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, SPARK also organized special activities for underprivileged children and conducted visits to shops, business establishments, and workplaces. During these visits, employers and persons-in-charge were sensitized about their legal and moral responsibilities to prevent child labour. They were urged not to employ children below the age of 14 and to support efforts aimed at ensuring every child enjoys a safe and educated childhood.
One of the major achievements of the campaign was the identification and reintegration of several child labourers into the education system. These children have since been enrolled in SPARK Educational Centres and have begun attending classes, symbolically replacing rag bags with school bags as they embark on a new journey of learning and hope.
The programme concluded with meaningful interactions among children, families, community members, and stakeholders, resulting in positive outcomes and reinforcing the collective commitment to ending child labour.
SPARK reiterated its call for continued support towards securing children’s futures through education, protection, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for vulnerable families.
