Transforming Lives: The Fight Against Child Labour in Nigeria

In the rural village of Kuchiko, a momentous transformation is underway as the ILO ACCEL Africa project, in partnership with Esteemhub, works tirelessly to eradicate child labour and empower young girls such as Maimunat to pursue education and a brighter future. This initiative not only provides crucial assistance to children, but also addresses the needs of parents like Haruna Koko, who are striving to earn a livelihood without relying on their children’s labour.

Maimunat, a young girl from Kuchiko, initially began selling food at a gold mining site to support her family in the face of severe poverty. Despite encountering challenges such as non-payment for her goods and threats from the miners, her determination remained unwavering. She harbours aspirations of becoming a nurse and caring for the sick in her community, now once again able to pursue her dreams after receiving support from the ACCEL Africa project.

Haruna Koko, Maimunat’s father, also worked at the gold mining site and had little choice but to involve his children in the work due to financial hardships. His simple yet profound dream for his children is for them to excel in education and achieve more than he ever could. With the assistance of the project, Maimunat was provided with essential learning materials and uniforms, while Haruna Koko received skills training and support to establish and improve their family’s business, enabling them to earn more and alleviate financial pressures.

Thanks to the collaboration between ACCEL Africa and Esteemhub, the Kuchiko community has borne witness to remarkable changes. The project has engaged in advocacy campaigns and implemented comprehensive strategies to eliminate child labour by providing essential materials to children and supporting parents to grow their businesses. Maimunat and other children in the village have been able to return to school, equipped with the necessary tools to pursue their education and build a better future for themselves.

This initiative has not only transformed the lives of individual children and families, but has also had a positive impact on the entire community, providing peace of mind to parents and empowering children to pursue their education without having to work in hazardous conditions. The support from ACCEL Africa and Esteemhub has laid the foundation for change, inspiring hope and progress among the residents of Kuchiko. The unwavering dedication of these organisations gives hope that, with continued support, the issue of child labour in Nigeria could be eradicated entirely.

The impact of the ACCEL Africa project in Kuchiko serves as a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating that with the right support and approach, real and lasting change is possible. The transformative effect on the lives of Maimunat, Haruna Koko, and their community reflects the invaluable work being carried out to combat child labour and empower individuals to strive for a better tomorrow.