I am writing with regard to the article “Car workshops in Jeddah exploiting young children” (Mar. 27). As authorities all over the world take measures to bring about the abolishment of child labor, it is clear that employing children for money is a curse on society. Child labor and poverty are bound together. If children are used as a source to cure the disease of poverty, this will result in both further poverty and the scourge of child labor. Child labor is a crime and is against the law. Saying that by employing children they are being protected from going astray is nonsense which can only result in the exploitation of future leaders of society. Apart from law and order, how can our conscience allow us to let children engage in physical labor and hazardous jobs? In theory, we have abolished slavery and recognized women's rights. But we are still enslaving the most vulnerable members of society: children who need parental love, and who desire liberty, freedom and a prosperous life. Out of every 100 children in the world, 16 of them are engaged in child labor. Though investment in human capital does not immediately benefit the owner, it does produce efficient and tangible goods over a period of time which do not depreciate through continuous investment. The victims of the curse of child labor must be given an education. As far as the alleviation of poverty is concerned, investment in education is the only option. Expenditure on education is similar to the expenditure on the purchase of a physical asset. The future of these children is in our hands, just as clay is in the hands of the potter. The clay does what the potter wants it to do. The authorities must monitor those who are working against the system of the Kingdom and take strong and positive actions for the welfare and prosperity of the nation's children. Imbesat Syed, Jeddah
