Edited from an article by Sr. Hemalatha B, Mottukal Shelter, Chennai, India (Province of Central East India/ Nepal – CEIN)
The fight against child labor has seen significant strides over the years, yet the battle is far from over. On June 12, World Day Against Child Labor 2025, we reflect on the challenges that remain, the progress made, and the collective efforts required to protect children’s rights and secure their future. This year’s theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!” underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat child labor globally.
Despite years of advocacy and intervention, child labor remains a harrowing issue. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture. As of 2024, an estimated 138 million children are trapped in child labor worldwide, with 54 million of them engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, and development. These numbers are a stark reminder of the systemic issues that perpetuate child labor, including poverty, lack of education, and insufficient social protections.
Mottukal’s Awareness Initiatives
One of our ministries taking a stand against child labor is Mottukal, a Good Shepherd program that has been championing change since 1996. On June 12, Mottukal spearheaded a series of events in three slum communities – Sudhanthira Nagar, Pushpa Nagar, and Ice House – in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Triplicane Municipality. These initiatives aimed to raise awareness about the importance of education and the societal responsibility to eradicate child labor.
The activities included motivational talks, during which survivors of child labor shared their inspiring journeys of overcoming adversity through education and support. A signature campaign invited local community members to pledge their commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. To engage the public further, street dramas were staged, vividly illustrating the devastating impact of child labor and underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Such initiatives are vital not only for informing the public but also for galvanizing communities into collective action. The importance of education as a tool to break the cycle of poverty and child labor was a recurring theme throughout Mottukal’s events, reflecting its long-standing commitment to this cause.
Mottukal’s Holistic Approach to Change
The Mottukal program, established in 1996, is a shining example of a holistic approach to preventing child labor and trafficking. Over the years, it has created substantial impact through its holistic initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of exploitation.
At the heart of Mottukal’s work is its shelter home for disadvantaged girls. This safe haven offers temporary housing for girls at risk of trafficking or exploitation. The program provides short-term stays, during which children access vital services, including counseling, education, and vocational training. By offering these resources, Mottukal not only addresses immediate risks but also empowers girls to build a future free from exploitation.
Mottukal’s influence extends beyond its shelter homes. The program actively engages with marginalized communities in the slums of Chennai, where the risk of school dropouts and trafficking is alarmingly high. Through targeted outreach, Mottukal works to bring children back to school and inform families about the dangers of child labor. These grassroots efforts are critical in creating safer environments and reducing vulnerabilities.
Transforming Futures
World Day Against Child Labor 2025 is a call for governments, organizations, and individuals alike to strengthen their efforts. To eliminate child labor, the global Good Shepherd Mission aims to address its root causes through education, social protection, and improved livelihoods.
Through its initiatives, Mottukal has impacted countless lives. By ensuring that children are educated, protected, and uplifted, the program has not only rescued individuals but also created ripple effects that benefit entire communities. When children are allowed to learn and grow in safe and nurturing environments, they unlock their full potential, paving the way for a better future.
The theme of 2025 – “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!” – serves as both a recognition of advancements made and a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
The fight against child labor is not just for governments, NGOs, or singular projects — it is a collective responsibility. The progress made so far proves what is possible when we work together. But for the millions of children still trapped in labor, the urgency of our efforts as a global Good Shepherd network cannot be overstated. Progress is clear, but there is undeniably more to do!
[Learn more about the Mottukal project here.]
