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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE December 13, 2005
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| November 7 - 8, 2005 |
Callao, Peru – Children helping children – the work of Peruvian NGO, MNNATSOP |
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| Young and inspirational members of MNNATSOP team, with new friends from Peace Boat |
The concept of children working to support their families is generally condemned around the world, yet millions of children work, and often under unsafe and exploitative conditions. An NGO based in Villa El Salvador, Peru, called Movimento Nacional de Nats Organizados del Peru (MNAATSOP) or the National Movement for the Organization of Child Laborers in Peru, recognizes that labor is the way of life for millions of children, and therefore needs proper laws and regulations. Thirty-five Peace Boat participants had an opportunity to visit the MNNATSOP Center in early November, as part of a two-day cultural exchange program in the poorer, outer suburbs of Lima. |
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| Learning fun songs in Spanish helped warm friendships |
Most members of MNNATSOP are working youth, who know first hand the difficulties and dangers that working children encounter. Peace Boat participants met the motivated and energetic representatives, who quickly involved them in a series of lively dance and music games, before explaining the situation for children of Peru, and the role of MNNATSOP to support them.
In Peru alone, it is estimated that over 2.5 million children work, as contributors to their family income. Some make handicrafts or sell goods on the street, while most work in the field of horticulture. In an ideal world, children would not have to work, but this is not realistic, say MNNATSOP representatives. |
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| A peace Boat participant practices her Spanish with the friendly students of the alternative curriculum school |
Peace Boat participants also visited a school which is supported by MNNATSOP. It is one of two schools in the area that share the same philosophy of adapting a flexible educational curriculum around the working needs of children. In this way, children from poor backgrounds, who have no choice but to work to support their families, can also receive education. |
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| Students of the school |
Principal of the school, Anna Maria Orihuelm, said that most students at her school come from impoverished families, and do not have the luxury of attending school full time. “The most important thing in these children’s lives has to be work, and we have to recognize this – it can not be one or the other. We try to fit education around their working reality,” she said. |
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| Principal of the school, Anna Maria Orihuelm, with some of her students |
The school provides occupational opportunities for students, such as a bakery, where children can work in a safe and non-exploitative environment. Profits from this bakery are returned to the school, and therefore the children’s own educational opportunities, “We find a safe place for children to work in order to keep them from being exploited,” said Anna Maria. |
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| Simple communication between a Peace Boat participant and child in Villa El Salvador transcends language barriers |
While there is no clear and easy solution to the enormous problem of poverty in Peru, Peace Boat participants felt inspired by the motivation and spirit of the young MNNATSOP members, who are directly responsible for helping to educate and support children and their families, as they look towards a brighter future.
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