Eduardo had dreams of being smuggled across the border in search for a better life, better pay, more respect and opportunities for success. It is hard to not fantasize while living with 7 people in a one bedroom family home made of dirt and tin. At age 14, Eduardo was offered employment by his uncle who owns three different farms with livestocks across the border of Guatemala. Although he was not leaving his home country, this opportunity seemed too good to be true. He was offered this employment but only if a transportation fee is paid, which could be paid by labor through time. Without hesitation, Eduardo's parents agreed to this opportunity and allowed him to leave in the back of a truck full of other boys in search of work. They remained hopeful but ignorant of the horror of his new job. The first night, Eduardo slept in beds that were placed outside but he was still anticipating to collect his earned wages. Everyday Eduardo was harvesting cane sugar for 14-18 hours, but Eduardo just wanted the wages he was entitled to, but wasn’t sure when his payment would begin.
This story is not uncommon for indigenous children or rural area working children. By providing basic needs to families at risk, Imhotep can prevent this outcome work the families we work with. Our prevention education program will share the importance of education, safe work environments, and identifying red-flags of labor trafficking. Because of sponsors like you, we are currently able to provide food boxes, clean water, and education materials to families and children like Eduardo. This April 5th - 23rd, GlobalGiving is 100% matching new monthly donations. With your support, we can address root causes of child labor trafficking in Guatemala. Will you help us fight child labor trafficking by sponsoring one working child?
