Children in Idlib have to work due to deteriorating living conditions
Due to deteriorating living conditions and poverty, many children have to drop out of school and work. Psychologist Safaa Al-Mandil says children should continue their education instead of working.
HADEEL Al-OMAR
Idlib- Many children in the city of Idlib, occupied by the Turkish state and its armed faction Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have to work in order to earn a living for their families due to poverty, displacement and deteriorating living conditions. Mahab Al-Younis (11) is one of the children, who dropped out of school to earn a living.
“I was hungry and looking for something to eat,” he said. “Then, I saw this nursery and looked for something such as hibiscus, watercress, and other things to eat. When the owner of the nursery saw me, he understood that I was hungry and offered to work with him. I work for a daily meal and a low weekly wage.”
Mahab Al-Younis is responsible for planting, watering and growing the plants at the nursery. Putting soil in a black bag with a group of children, he said, “We put the seeds in bags after soaking them in water for a while. We care for them until they grow and become ready for sale. We display them in front of the nursery so that everyone can see them.”
‘It makes me forget all the tragedies I have experienced’
Baraa Muhamid (10) also works at the nursery to support her displaced family living in one of the IDPs camps in Idlib. “We put soil in bags, clear the weeds and water plants,” she told us. “I have been stung by a scorpion twice while working. I could have died if I had not been transferred to a hospital immediately. But I also enjoy working. I feel peaceful among jasmines, carnations, roses, basils, rosemary and ornamental trees. Working here makes me forget all the tragedies I have experienced at the camp.”
‘Child labor must be stopped’
Many families in Idlib, especially displaced families, allow their children to work because they live in extreme poverty, said psychologist Safaa Al-Mandil. “Children face many risks while working. Children working in agriculture due to deadly insects and reptiles and chemical pesticides. Their families should be economically supported. Awareness-raising activities should be carried out for their families because child labor must be stopped. Children should continue their education instead of working.”