Local NGOs combat against Child Labour : A case study in Mwanza, Tanzania

Abstract: Children engage in paid and unpaid work that is damaging to them daily all around the world. They are categorized as child laborers, however when they are either too young to work or are engaged in dangerous activities that may jeopardize their physical, mental, social or educational development (Unicef 2021). The topic of Child labour relates to the broader area of peace and development due to child labour being a development issue. The theoretical frameworks selected for this thesis are Amartya Sen’s ‘capabilities’ theory. The aim with this field study is to recognize the strategies of NGO’s combat against child labour and their challenges as well as their improvements. To gain an understanding of child labour in relation to hazardous environments and their impacts on a local level in Mwanza, with the help of key informant interviews and stakeholders. Indirect data was chosen rather than direct data, because it would be unethical to interview children. The fact that children suffer makes child labor a touchy subject. It is impossible for me to discuss every aspect of child labor because the subject is so vast and sensitive. I therefore only have knowledge that is applicable to my research. I have come to the conclusion that the factor of child labour is mainly poverty. The strategies of the NGOs to prevent child labour differs from one another, but many of them use awareness as a strategy. Their challenges are lack of resources and the community’s perception.