(ANS – Madrid) – Child slavery continues to affect millions of boys and girls around the world, even though it often remains hidden. To mark World Day Against Child Slavery, observed today, April 16, Misiones Salesianas, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, warns of a reality that takes many forms and reminds us that education and protection are essential to breaking this vicious cycle. These are children who do not go to school, who work all day, who barely have time to eat—let alone play. They are children without a childhood. This day serves as a reminder that we must continue working to end this open wound of the 21st century.

Saihaj used to love going to school. She is 12 years old and dreamed of becoming a teacher, but for the past two years, she has been working in a textile workshop in India to help her family. Her days begin before dawn and stretch on for hours without changing position and with almost no rest. “I wish I didn’t have to work so much, but if I don’t, my family won’t eat,” she explains. Her story is not an exception, but a reflection of a structural reality affecting millions of children worldwide, whose childhoods are cut short by necessity and a lack of opportunities.

According to estimates by international organizations, more than 160 million boys and girls work worldwide, and about half of them do so in hazardous conditions that jeopardize their health, development, and future. In this context, at least 9 million are trapped in forms of child slavery: forced labor, trafficking for exploitation, early marriage, or recruitment into armed conflict. These situations, though often hidden, constitute serious violations of fundamental rights and perpetuate cycles of poverty that are difficult to break.

Child slavery takes many forms and adapts to different contexts. In rural areas, many children work in agriculture, mining, or fishing, often exposed to toxic substances, heavy loads, or dangerous environments. In urban areas, others survive in the informal economy or fall into networks of exploitation. Poverty, inequality, humanitarian crises, and lack of access to education are, in all cases, key factors pushing families into desperate situations.

Schooling and Support: Fundamental Pillars for Ending Child Slavery

“When a child enters the workforce, it is very difficult for them to return to school unless there is consistent, long-term support,” explains Salesian Emmanuel Chana, who oversees numerous educational projects in West Africa. “It is not enough to offer a place in school; we must also work with families, create economic alternatives, and strengthen communities to prevent them from falling back into exploitation.”

In Latin America, many boys and girls drop out of school to contribute to their families’ income in vulnerable urban areas. Daniela, age 13, spent most of her day selling goods on the street until she began attending a Salesian center. There, she not only resumed her studies but also found a safe space where she could develop skills, build relationships, and reclaim part of her childhood.

“Here I’ve started studying again and even playing,” she recalls, highlighting the impact of these programs when approached holistically.

In Asia, girls face particular risks. Many are victims of domestic exploitation or forced marriage at a very young age, which severely limits their opportunities for development. In response, Salesian programs combine education, awareness, and protection, creating environments where girls can learn about their rights and build alternatives. This preventive approach is essential to addressing deeply rooted challenges in certain contexts.

The Goal Is Not Only to Combat Child Slavery, but to Prevent It by Offering Opportunities

Misiones Salesianas supports the Salesians in 138 countries across five continents with an intervention model that places the individual at the center. Education is the primary focus, complemented by psychosocial support, community strengthening, and family assistance. The goal is not only to remove children from situations of exploitation, but to prevent them from returning to them by offering sustainable opportunities that transform their environment.

For this reason, awareness, active engagement, and shared responsibility are key to making progress toward eliminating child slavery.

On World Day Against Child Slavery, the stories of Saihaj and Daniela remind us that behind every statistic is a life that could be at risk. Every child who returns to school represents a step forward, but the challenge remains global and urgent.

“The most important thing is that boys and girls feel like children and can enjoy their childhood,” concludes the Salesian.

Source: Misiones Salesianas