children working as early as 10 years old to help their family...
@jenniferyvette (137)
Philippines
November 23, 2008 11:11pm CST
Yesterday I went to the market place after I went online because my sister texted me and I had to run errands just to buy her pony tail for her hair,.. And as I pass by this fastfood chain I saw this boy,... About 9-13 years old sitting on the concrete road selling hair ties and some ballpens,.. when I laid my eyes on him my heart melted because he somewhat resembles my youngest brother stephen and looking at this young boy made me think of things like what if my brother's in the same situation??? young, dirty, hungry and tired?? so I approached the boy and bought 2 pony tail asking where his parents he told me that they have a broken family and all he have left is his other siblings and his mother.. melts my heart but I still have to buy some stuffs so I had to leave this boy,.. not far from the fastfood chain I saw another boy 10 years old and he was selling "siopao".. near the drugstore,.. also melted my heart so I bought 3 siopaos to help him,.. I even asked him if they own this bussiness the boy just nodded and told me that it was his mother's bussiness,.. I gave him 50 pesos because I have no other money besides that and he had to look for change across the street so I gave him 2 pesos as a tip,. and made me realize that I should also give a tip to the other boy so I came back for him and he was gone,.. I went home with the stuffs I bought and told my story to my eldest sister who in turn told me that there is also a boy who was selling carved handicrafts because he had to help his younger siblings,.. HIs story is that his father was blamed for the kidnapping of a child in Naujan, and that his mother went off with another guy leaving him and his other siblings on his poor grandmother who's job is picking rocks and selling them,.. He had to help by selling those handicrafts his pather makes inside the prison to sustain his family.. he's only 10 and the eldest among his siblings.... hearing this story made me even weaker.. I could not bear to see these poor kids suffer.. I wish that before christmas I will earn a lot of money from this website and I wish that I could give them something this christmas
3 people like this
12 responses
@rsa101 (37987)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
That is so noble of you to do that. I guess there are a few people like you who have a soft spots for these children and your giving attitude will bless you more in the coming days. Stay like that always as there are many children that are like those that you told.
@jenniferyvette (137)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
there are lots of street children here in our place so seeing them homeless just makes me think of what will happen to their future if they will stay homeless, they might learn to do bad things to sustain their needs which is also heartbreaking.. sad
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
There is misery and difficulty in making a living in this world and I wish it were otherwise. I do realize that they are here for a reason and when they work to change their situation I am inclined to believe that they will have a bright future ahead of them. Cheers!!
@edujccz (929)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
God Bless you for having a compassionate heart towards this children and really their number is increasing everywhere. Just as I was saying, it was very sorry that these children are of less priveledge than most specially with life getting harder each day. Hope that many more like you will share to these children specially this coming christmas. Happy posting
@jenniferyvette (137)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
thank you... Wish you all the best this coming Christmas...
@jenniferyvette (137)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
yeah I know,.. also population explosion adds to this problem...
@Keola12 (799)
• United States
24 Nov 08
I know what you mean. But there is an organization that's sponsored by renoun Reverend Billy Gram, that many churches are involved with that place toys and things in decorative shoe boxes, and pass them onto Billy Gram and his organization, and they fly over to the poor countries and disperse these gifts to the poor children from all over the world. The name of the organization is called Samaritan's Purse. You might want to check it out. I'm sure they would have further information online as to how people can get involved with this organization.
Take Care,
Keola12
@jenniferyvette (137)
• Philippines
25 Nov 08
well here in our country some people makes donations for the street children but very few of them receives these donations..
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
24 Nov 08
I think it is sad if kids are out there at this young age, I like to think this age is the most enjoyable in a persons life but i guess if they can help their families who are really struggling then maybe it is better for them anyway but it is still very sad..
@jenniferyvette (137)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
It just breaks my heart because these parents they should be the one who's helping their children with their financial needs. food, clothings, education,.. they shouldn't let their children be like that. in a way they should be the one taking care of their children not the children taking care of their parents
@mokbul (616)
• Singapore
24 Nov 08
It is true in many pert of the world, children or even very elderly persons doing hard work to earn their living. It is a pity and we have to do our part to help thise guys, let alone government can not do anything. Almost everywhere there are laws banning child labor it is still happening due to the poverty.
You have a very noble intention and will hope that it becomes asuccess.
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
24 Nov 08
Nothing is wrong with working to help your parents especially if things are hard.However I belive there a limits to this situation.Firstly the child should be helping and not working full time and the parents must definitely be working .Secondly this must not interfere with their natural development.They must have time for themselves.Thirdly and this is most important ,it must not interfere with their education.By this I mean they must be allowed to go to school.They must be allowed time to do homework and other school activities.They must get enough rest .this means that work must be scheduled around school and leisure for the child.In addition part of the proceeds must go to the child.This serves as an incentive for their hard work and also teaches the valuable lesson that remuneration comes after hard work not before
@carmelsuarez (329)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
Yeap... seeing those kids breaks my heart too. Sometimes thinking of their parents create bitterness to my hearts.
@hustonphotography (569)
• United States
4 Apr 09
It is sad when kids have to grow up fast to help take care of their family but I know it does happen. I also hate to hear children having a bad Christmas. Their are programs to help with situations for this. Some jobs are fun for kids at that age. Others can be considered labor. I hope someone is watching over these children.
