The ECLT project in Mozambique aims to tackle the worst forms of child labour. It does this by improving access to education, influencing government policy, providing income generating activities and raising awareness about the effects of child labour.

The project aims to remove children, aged 12 and over, from child labour and support their mothers and caregivers. The project will reintegrate and support 2,000 younger children through school. By raising awareness and reducing poverty the project aims to improve the life chances of a further 9,000 children.

Progress so far

In September 2008 ECLT became the sole funder of the project, continuing a programme that was initially funded by the US Department of Labour.

Education offers life skills to thousands of children

By the end of 2008 the programme had reintegrated 3,250 children into school. In 2008, 436 vulnerable children aged 12-17 were enrolled into specially set up Field Farming and Life Schools bringing the total of children in these schools to almost a thousand. A plan has been developed to sustain and support these children through school.

New income for care givers

The project supported children further by providing income generating activities to their mothers and caregivers. Over three hundred women began the 2008-9 programme in addition to the two hundred participants already involved. Work has started in Angonia, the farthest region from Tete City, as part of an extension to the project. Already 250 children have been identified for reintegration into formal education.

Drama brings message home

The project’s innovative approach to awareness-raising has proved exciting and effective. The project’s Drama Troupe spent time in each of the ten communities before presenting a participatory drama with, and for, community members. A single performance in one community involved 1700 people.

Spreading the message

Twenty one radio programmes highlighting the dangers and pitfalls Reducing Exploitative Child Labour in Mozambique, RECLAIM Mozambique 6 of child labour were recorded and aired twice a week in the Tete province. To cover areas not accessible by radio a resourceful new strategy was trialled. Three bicycles were supplied to community activists who cycled to remote areas with mobile radios to play the drama skits aired in Tete.

Who’s running the project?

The implementing partners for this project are:

• American Institutes for Research (AIR)
• RECLAIM, AIR local branch

Area covered by the project

The project is running in Tete Province, North West Mozambique. The project focuses on 18 communities in the districts of Chifunde, Chiuta, Moatize, Macananga and Tete.

Duration of the project

The first project: 1 November 2007 and 31 October 2009.

Budget

US$805,000

Project documentation

You can find out more about the Mozambique project by viewing the following project documention: