The implications for these children became clear: they are denied education, family love, adequate nutrition, and other aspects of a healthy childhood. The fifth graders understood the causes of these injustices but they did not accept them. Many expressed anger.

“Kids are dehumanized by this! They are all God’s kids, like us. They deserve good and safe lives too!” one child said.

One of the girls summed up the situation, “Adults are mistreating kids—this is not just kids being mean to each other. Adults are supposed to be protecting and loving children! Because of child labor, these kids are hurt spiritually, mentally and physically!”

There was also sadness, for the fifth graders came to see those suffering as their sisters and brothers. “Humans are sacred. How can people treat a sacred person like dirt?” one boy asked.

They were ready to act. The students worked hard to set up displays for a child labor education fair. Parents, siblings and grandparents attended this.

The displays were wonderfully creative and commanding of people’s attentions: