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Technical Cooperation Project Summary

Project Title

Combating the Worst Forms of Child Labor Through Education in Ecuador

Region/Country

THE AMERICAS/Ecuador

Project Duration

September 30, 2004 – September 26, 2008

Fiscal Year & Funding Level

FY 2003 and FY 2004: USD 3,000,000

Problem to be Addressed

Children employed in the banana and flower industries in Ecuador are exposed to toxic pesticides and fungicides, which are harmful to all farm workers, but especially to child laborers.
Children are involved in all farm activities from the hothouse to the harvest, and work primarily as seasonal laborers. Women and youth tend to be the principal workers on the flower farms and their presence has significantly altered traditional family and community relations, to the point where many youth end up living on the margins of their family unit and community, often beyond the influence of either.
By the time a child reaches the age of 14 years, more than a third of his or her cohort has dropped out of school. Studies indicate that the largest dropout occurs between elementary school (grade 7) and secondary school, with only 20% of elementary school graduates continuing on to secondary school.

Results

The project withdrew or prevented 4,566 children from exploitive child labor in the banana and cut flower industries. The project gave special attention to children ages 5 to 12 years, and adolescents ages 13 to 15 years, including those from at-risk groups such as girls and indigenous children.

Project Objectives

Development Objective:
To improve access to quality education and strengthen government and civil society’s capacity to address the education needs of working children and those at risk of working.

Immediate Objectives:

  • Increase access and opportunities in basic education for child laborers and children at risk in the project’s target areas;
  • Increase retention in basic education programs among children in the target areas; and
  • Increase transition from elementary school to secondary-level education among elementary students in the target areas.

Summary of Activities
  • Established quality education pilot programs for working children and children at risk of working (non-formal and vocational);
  • Improved the quality of education and encouraged participation of communities in local education system;
  • Increased access to income generating activities for targeted families;
  • Provided training to education community in areas such as leadership, quality of education, gender sensitivity and diversity;
  • Developed a social responsibility program among targeted businesses; and
  • Raised awareness on children’s rights and protection at local and national levels.
Grantee Catholic Relief Services

Implementing partners

CARE International, Save the Children UK, Fundación Wong, La Conferencia Episcopal Ecuatoriana

Contact Information

Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking (OCFT)

(202) 693-4843