Millions of children worldwide are trapped in forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation, robbing them of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the crisis is especially severe, with poverty and conflict forcing children into hazardous labor, early marriages, and exploitation.
1 in 5 children in Africa (72 million) are engaged in child labor, the highest rate globally (ILO, 2022)
Over 4 million children in conflict zones are at risk of recruitment into armed groups (UNICEF, 2023)
Child labor reduces school attendance by 30%, trapping families in generational poverty (World Bank, 2023)
Girls are disproportionately affected, with many forced into early marriages and domestic servitude (UNICEF, 2023)
At Hold the Child, we are actively working to end child exploitation through:
Community Advocacy & Legal Protection – Working with local leaders to enforce child rights Awareness Campaigns – Educating parents, schools, and employers on the dangers of child labor.
Education Access Programs – Ensuring at-risk children stay in school Family Livelihood Support – Reducing economic pressure that forces children into labor