Seasonal child labour in Nepal’s Brick Kilns: A study of its educational impact and parents’ attitudes towards it

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examines how child labour carried out in Nepal’s brick kilns impacts classroom performance and achievement, while also exploring parents’ perspectives towards it. To this end, a field study within select brick kilns was conducted among child labourers as well as adults whose offspring had previously worked as child labourers. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings of this study suggest that the majority of child labourers spend a part of their earnings on getting themselves or their siblings educated, which helps to the continuity of education. However, child labourer’s seasonal migration to brick kilns for employment impacts their ability to attend school, which leads to a deterioration of their classroom performance and final grades, while also producing higher drop-out rates. The majority of adult participants in this study held neutral views on both child labour and education. They did not deny the importance of education, yet also easily accepted child labour, considering it to be a necessity rather than a choice.