Around the world, about 160 million children ages 5 to 17 are engaged in child labor, which robs them of their childhood and limits their ability to reach their full potential. Learn what is child labor, child labor history, and what World Vision is doing to end it.
News & Stories
Child Labor
From the Field
What you need to know about child labor in photos
Child labor deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their safety, and is harmful to physical and mental development. As many as 160 million children worldwide engaged in child labor in 2020. Let’s explore this important topic through a collection of powerful photos.
From the Field
Standing strong for change: Advocating for child rights in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Nayeem devotes his time and attention to advocating for children’s rights. By the time he was 17, his efforts had helped stop child marriages, combat trafficking, and empower over 1,300 children with knowledge of their rights.
Prayers
Matthew 25: Prayer for children’s protection
Child labor and exploitation, female genital mutilation (FGM), and human trafficking are among the greatest evils in the world. Pray with us for an end to all harm against children and for World Vision’s work to protect children.
From the Field
Children’s access to education is threatened by Lebanon’s crisis
As Lebanon encounters an economic crisis, refugee children face protection risks and fading education access.
From the Field
Full circle: How a former sponsored child became a child sponsor
After his parents abandoned him as a boy, Janvie joined a World Vision child sponsorship program in the Philippines. There, he gained skills and experience that gave him the confidence to grow into the leader that he is today, even now sponsoring a child himself.
From the Field
Syrian refugee children find hope in thankfulness
We asked seven Syrian refugee children in Lebanon what they are thankful for; their answers were surprisingly similar and deeply humbling.
From the Field
Child labor: Head of the house as a child
Tania is only 16; she runs her household and is engaged in child labor. But she has begun attending a World Vision center to help her catch up on her education.
From the Field
How child protection efforts are working in Bangladesh
Babu, 11, and Sabbir, 7, used to spend their days carrying heavy bags in Bangladesh. Because of World Vision’s child protection work, the boys are now attending school.
From the Field
How World Vision does child protection around the world
More than half of the world’s children experience some form of violence every year. World Vision protects children and looks out for their well-being by ensuring communities and faith leaders are actively working to identify and support children in need; advocating for children’s rights; and providing for immediate needs, such as emergency shelter and essential care.