BLLF’s development during 40 years of struggle:
From 1967 to 1995 the government and ruling classes never accepted child labour in Pakistan. After 1995 they accepted that there are 3.3 millions child labourers in Pakistan. Up to 1995 the informal school system was not acceptable in Pakistan and it was not allowed. The state used to fine 100 Rs (about 2 Euro) per school per day. The general concept was that the segregated class children had no future and they are good for nothing and they cannot get education. Education was not compulsory in any Province of Pakistan and corporal punishment was legal in every Province. The government had no priority regarding education policy.
BLLF has started their school system in the 80s and spread an Apna-school network all over the country through its program “Struggle Against Slavery Through Education” and the issue of slave child labour and child labour was highlighted through BLLF’s actions and has up to now freed children from slavery and educated more than 10 000 children. The result of this is that in two Provinces, in Punjab and Sindh, the compulsory primary education is introduced. In Frontier the legislation is on the table, while the fourth Province, Baluchistan, is waiting for a change. The government also stopped the corporal punishment in two Provinces, Punjab and Sindh. Sindh government also prescribed 100 Rs stipend per year for every child in school, that is nothing but anyhow it is a sign of change and acceptance. They also introduced the Parent’s committee-concept, which has never been used before BLLF started up this concept.
BLLF has faced a lot of difficulties and threats from the government and the ruling classes during the years but the struggle from darkness to lightness is proceeding.
From 1967 to 1995 the government and ruling classes never accepted child labour in Pakistan. After 1995 they accepted that there are 3.3 millions child labourers in Pakistan. Up to 1995 the informal school system was not acceptable in Pakistan and it was not allowed. The state used to fine 100 Rs (about 2 Euro) per school per day. The general concept was that the segregated class children had no future and they are good for nothing and they cannot get education. Education was not compulsory in any Province of Pakistan and corporal punishment was legal in every Province. The government had no priority regarding education policy.
BLLF has started their school system in the 80s and spread an Apna-school network all over the country through its program “Struggle Against Slavery Through Education” and the issue of slave child labour and child labour was highlighted through BLLF’s actions and has up to now freed children from slavery and educated more than 10 000 children. The result of this is that in two Provinces, in Punjab and Sindh, the compulsory primary education is introduced. In Frontier the legislation is on the table, while the fourth Province, Baluchistan, is waiting for a change. The government also stopped the corporal punishment in two Provinces, Punjab and Sindh. Sindh government also prescribed 100 Rs stipend per year for every child in school, that is nothing but anyhow it is a sign of change and acceptance. They also introduced the Parent’s committee-concept, which has never been used before BLLF started up this concept.
BLLF has faced a lot of difficulties and threats from the government and the ruling classes during the years but the struggle from darkness to lightness is proceeding.