Project against child labour

Togo's office of the International Catholic Child Bureau, using a US $343,000 contribution from the French government, has launched a three-year project to combat child labour across the country. The project, which was launched on Friday in the main market of the capital Lome, aims to take off the streets children less than 15 years who have been working as porters and helpers and to enroll them into schools. The organisation, in partnership with the International Labour Organization, would also conduct information and education campaigns targeting the civil society, parents and others. Togo, like many countries in West Africa, is struggling to contain the spread of child labour seen as a new form of criminality. Its spread is facilitated by poverty, traditional beliefs and culture, illiteracy and discrimination against women and girls. France's ambassador, Jean-Francois Valette, urged the organisation to ensure that the money is used to benefit the lives of the children.