Children of the kilns education program
Project Goals
children in 15 Nepali districts will have access to education and receive the services, support, and materials they need to succeed in school.
children up to the age of six will have access to age appropriate learning materials, trained teachers, and healthy food.
YOUR TAX DEDUCTABLE $20 A MONTH ($5 a week) SPONSORSHIP WILL CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE
GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION TODAY!
Click on the Expressions of Interest Form below to change a life.
There are currently 32,000 children working in bonded labour in the 1700 brick kiln factories of Nepal. Many of these children work alongside their families continuing the generational bonded labour, often the only choice for minority groups who have limited access to education and come from many remote communities in Nepal.
70% of the families that currently work in the brick kiln factories of Nepal are marginalised Nepalis with the other 30% of workers originating from India. Working 16 to 17 hours, 6 days a week in dangerous conditions are some of the challenges these families and children contend with whilst living and working in the brick factories.
Education, protection, health & sanitation are some of the major issues children & their families face. Whilst not only exploited and abused they have no access to education, this being due to the seasonal operation of the brick kiln factories (which do not operate during the monsoon period of June to November). Many of the families return to their communities over monsoon with the children unable to reconnect with their schooling as they have fallen behind whilst working or have limited access to schools due to the proximity of their villages.
There are also the instances of unaccompanied children who leave their villages to work in the brick kilns. The significant threat to the wellbeing and rights of children who are brick making in Nepal is a major issue and one which is largely ignored by the general public and sadly unaddressed by current systems and regulations.
School Program
The Umbrella Foundation Australia has partnered with Siddhantha Social Development Center (SSDC Nepal), which has worked in Nepal’s Lumbini district since 1996 to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society where everyone—especially women, young people, and marginalised groups—can exercise their rights and live with dignity. SSDC Nepal is supporting TUFA’s efforts to eliminate child, bonded, and forced labour and to improve working conditions for all workers. It works closely with kiln owners, and workers to promote safe and healthy living conditions, and access to education for children living in the kilns.
How you can help!
There are currently 20 brick kilns operating in Lumbini Province, with each employing 300–400 workers. In many cases, families work together in the kilns to repay their debts. With support from TUFA and SSDC Nepal, children can attend local schools while their parents continue working at the kiln factories. Field workers monitor each child’s school results, attendance, and living conditions. These academic records are reported to the government, helping children continue their studies when they return to their communities during the monsoon season.
Through its Children of the Kilns Education Program, The Umbrella Foundation Australia can help provide the educational support these children need. A contribution of $20 per month, or $240 per year, can help remove a child from bonded labour and give them the chance of a better future. Sponsorship covers the cost of teachers, books, a cooked meal, and monitoring fees. Education is the most effective way to break the generational cycle of bonded labour. Please consider supporting this program by completing the expression of interest form at the top of the page or contacting our Sponsorship Co-ordinator.
Linda Harwood - linda@umbrellaaustralia.org
YOUR TAX DEDUCTABLE $20 A MONTH SPONSORSHIP WILL CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE
GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION TODAY!
