Canadian Boy Fights for the Rights of Children

Craig Kilburger is 13 years old. His home is in Ontario. Last year, Craig started a group called "Free the Children". The group wants to help end child labour. Craig says child labour is a serious problem. "In some countries, children work 12 or 14 hours a day in factories making things like carpets and glass. If the children try to leave the factory, they are often beaten. Sometimes they are killed".

Craig and his group are writing letters and raising money. They want Canada to stop importing goods made by children.  

Background Information

Many people believe in social causes. They try to help the poor, the sick and the environment to name a few. People volunteer their time, their money and their skills to help others. Do you have a cause that you believe in? Do you know someone who believes in a cause very strongly? Talk about this.

Questions

1. How old is Craig?

2. What is the name of his group?

3. What is the group trying to do?

4. How do you think one 13 year old child can make a difference?

5. What is child labour?

6. How long are children made to work?

7. What happens to the children if they try to leave the factory?

8. What is a factory?

9. What are Craig and his group doing to stop child labour?

10. Do you think it will work? Why or why not?