Children of Ulingan (Charcoal Factory), Manila - Fun can be at the most hazardous environment and condition
No matter how hazardous is the environment, children need to play and have fun. It is a growing up process. Child laborers and street children are often street smart and resilience to the tough environment. They are creative and adventurous.
I remember few years back I watched a UN's DVD entitled "No Time For Play". It examines the plight of Filipino working children and looks at what is being done to help them. In social work we recognize how important 'play' is to the growing up children. Play helps them to have that natural problem solving skills that are much needed in the hostile world. They may not be great scientist, politician or business man but certainly they are great survivals and could anticipate danger better than anyone of us.
If they were given and motivated in an education, I am sure they will excel! I hope all the countries could recognize the rights of these children.
One Canadian organization categorizes children's rights into three categories:
* Provision:
Children have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care, education and services, and to play. These include a balanced diet, a warm bed to sleep in, and access to schooling.
* Protection:
Children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. This includes the right to safe places for children to play; constructive child rearing behavior, and acknowledgment of the evolving capacities of children.
* Participation:
Children have the right to participate in communities and have programs and services for themselves. This includes children's involvement in libraries and community programs, youth voice activities, and involving children as decision-makers
