Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) is addressing the multi-dimensional problems of child labour and exploitation in the mica mining districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Child labour free mica is within our grasp if we tackle this issue by keeping children at the center, involving relevant stakeholders and engaging government at all levels, civil society and industry bodies. We aim to unite and leverage the collective power of all stakeholders locally, nationally and globally to end all child labour in the region by 2025.
Working through the innovative Bal Mitra Gram™ (Child Friendly Village) model, we are working to ensure the well-being of vulnerable and marginalized children subjected to widespread exploitation by bringing them under an ever-expanding safety net.
We work closely with local communities and different stakeholders at national and international levels to co-create and launch initiatives to address unique challenges of India’s mica mining belt.
Besides addressing pressing issues including the lack of school infrastructure and clean drinking water, we are working on the ground to ensure children are not deprived of learning and are not forced into mica mining by providing them opportunities to grow as leaders and raise their voice against issues that impact them adversely.
Not only are we ensuring free and quality education for all children in the mica mining regions of Jharkhand and Bihar but also empowering children to take democratic action to secure their rights. They are empowered to emerge as strong voices against all forms of child exploitation. Our participatory child-centered community development approach is ensuring community ownership and sustainable change in the long term.
A long-term goal of KSCF and the communities is to find alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities for parents of children living in the area. We are constantly assessing the ground situation and working to find solutions. Through our holistic approach of child and community empowerment, we are working to end child labour in mica mining by 2025.