What factors contribute to child labour in Smokey Mountain, Manila?

Child labour in Smokey Mountain, Manila is primarily driven by poverty, lack of education, and societal norms.

Smokey Mountain, a large landfill site in Manila, is notorious for its child labour problem. The primary driver of this issue is poverty. Many families living in and around Smokey Mountain are trapped in a cycle of poverty, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. As a result, children are often forced to work in order to contribute to their family's income. They scavenge for recyclable materials in the landfill, which they then sell for a meagre income. This work is not only physically demanding but also exposes the children to hazardous conditions and substances, posing a significant risk to their health and wellbeing.

Lack of education is another significant factor contributing to child labour in Smokey Mountain. Many children in the area do not have access to quality education, either because their families cannot afford it or because they are needed to work. Without education, these children have limited opportunities for upward mobility, making it more likely that they will continue to work in the landfill as they grow older. Furthermore, the lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as it hinders the children's ability to secure better, safer jobs in the future.

Societal norms and expectations also play a role in perpetuating child labour in Smokey Mountain. In many cases, child labour is seen as a normal part of life, a necessary means for families to survive. This acceptance of child labour as a societal norm makes it more difficult to combat, as it is not seen as a problem that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, child labour in Smokey Mountain is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Poverty, lack of education, and societal norms all play a role in perpetuating this problem. Addressing child labour in Smokey Mountain, therefore, requires a multifaceted approach that tackles all of these issues.