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Technical Cooperation Project Summary

Project Title

Combating Child Labor in the Fireworks Industry of El Salvador

Region/Country

THE AMERICAS/El Salvador

Project Duration

April 2000 – June 2004

Fiscal Year & Funding Level

FY 1999: USD 1,008,327

Problem to be Addressed

El Salvador´s internal conflict and persistent poverty have had a significant impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children. The production of fireworks is one of the most hazardous occupations in which children participate in El Salvador. This activity takes place both in formal and informal settings, i.e., in fireworks factories as well as in home-based workshops. Most of the factories and workshops are located in rural areas of the country, where there is a lack of potable water and adequate sanitation infrastructure. Children engaged in fireworks production face hazards that are detrimental to their health, safety and development. They are exposed to explosive chemicals such as potassium nitrate and gunpowder, which can cause skin and lung diseases and cancer. Other potential injuries faced are cuts, abrasions and burns from fires and explosions.

Results

The project withdrew 684 children working and prevented 465 children at risk of being engaged in fireworks production, in the municipalities of Ciudad Delgado, Apopa, and Mejicanos y Cuscatancingo, El Salvador.

Project Objectives

Development Objective:
To contribute to the elimination of child labor in the fireworks industry of El Salvador.

Immediate Objectives:

  • Identify and withdraw children engaged in fireworks production from home-based workshops or from factories and provide children with educational and other support/rehabilitation services. Assist parents of target children in establishing income generating alternatives;
  • Strengthen the capacity of partner organizations, community organizations/agencies, the labor inspectorate, local authorities and employers and workers organizations to take action against child labor in the fireworks industry of El Salvador; and
  • Sensitize and mobilize communities, parents, factory owners and managers, workers and local authorities to take action against child labor.

Summary of Activities
  • Prevented children from entering work, withdrew children from fireworks production, and provided targeted children with educational opportunities;
  • Strengthened the capacity of partner organizations to take action against child labor in the fireworks industry of El Salvador;
  • Sensitized and mobilized communities, parents, factory owners and managers, workers and local authorities to take action against the child labor; and
  • Established a workplace/community child labor monitoring and verification system.

Grantee

International Labor Organization’s International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC)

Implementing Partners

Asociación El Balsamo; Fundación Nueva Vida Pro Niño; Salvadoran Institute for the Protection of Minor (ISPM); Ministries of Labor, Health, and Education; Fire Brigade; National Civil Police (Division of Arms and Explosives); Municipal Mayor's Office; Association of Fireworks Producers;
Association of Community Development.

Contact Information

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

(202) 693-4843