In Egypt, 1.8 million children are working, with many doing dangerous jobs outlawed by international conventions, according to the International Labor Organization. To mark World Children’s Day (November 20), Hamada Elrasam spent several days chronicling impoverished Egyptian families who say they have no choice but to send their children to work. Captions by Elle Kurancid.
In Photos: Poverty Drives Child Labor in Egypt
- By Hamada Elrasam
- Elle Kurancid
1
In Egypt, nearly one in three people are living in extreme poverty, Cairo, Aug. 8, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
2
Mohamed Hamido, 14, left school to earn a living removing dust from housing demolition sites, as his single, diabetic mother cannot financially support their family of three, Cairo, Aug. 8, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
3
Poor parents sometimes make their children beg for money or sell small items on the streets. Forced begging is considered human trafficking, Cairo, Aug. 11, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
4
Farwla, 13, left school to assist the women in her family with household chores, Cairo, Aug. 9, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
