Dominican Republic: Program in Constanza

International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International Labor Organization

IPEC

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Background

Constanza:

Produces 75% of national vegetable consumption

Children work in agriculture & suffer serious health problems

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Objectives

DoL funded program to:

Raise awareness and mobilize local organizations

Develop concrete initiatives to remove children

Develop income compensation projects

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Objectives

Specific aims:

Withdraw at least 250 children from high-risk work

Integrate them into school

Improve income of 150 families

Make program replicable

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Project actions since 1999 launch:

Completion of study

Evaluation of children’s situation

3-month educational bridge course completed

School assistance provided

Establishment of study halls

Monitoring implemented

Awareness raising, workshops for children

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

157 children removed to date and in school

350 children and 110 teachers attended workshops

Workshops also held for farmers and farm managers, and community leaders

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Network for Prevention & Elimination of Child Labor formed, grouping 27 community organizations

Loans made for collective projects

Child labor on community agenda

Families have more responsible attitude

Bridge Course established

Monitoring established

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Monitoring system reports on:

Absence Health Family violence Conduct & performance at school Homework & cleanliness

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Success based on:

Trained personnel

Trained consultants in promotional team

Bridge course

Teaching guide

Monitoring system

Study halls

Awareness raising

Government and NGO involvement

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Model is replicable:

Simple Flexible Minimal resources Joint efforts

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC