Eleine Reyes is a 19-year-old resident from Pugad Tibaguin CDP and a former sponsored child and child rights club president of Good Neighbors International Philippines. She is being raised in a family that everything is enough to survive and support their daily needs. Her father is a fisherman and her mother is a housewife.
Most of the time, the financial struggle is one of their challenges to sustain their needs, studies, and other expenses. Before the pandemic, she sells graham balls to help her parents and sustain her school expenses. In this time of the pandemic, it may be challenging for her family but she is more thankful for having a loving and supportive family.
She has many dreams in life but the very dream close to her heart is to become a policewoman. She envisions herself as a law enforcer with bravery and heart to serve people especially in protecting the children, youth, and women. For her family, she dreams of elevating them from poverty, supporting their financial needs, providing a comfortable life, and supporting her siblings’ education.
We, ask her, what can she do to help end child labor, and here are her thoughts:
I think child labor is a social crime that transpires to many places, either publicly or worst secretly, and innocent children are racked with pain and agony.
As a responsible youth in this generation, I want to be the voice and be image bravery of my fellow youngsters to advocate and protect their rights and to fight the abuse or any inhumane treatment they are experiencing. And I also believe that everyone is responsible to take action, making solutions, and be accountable for ensuring and protecting the children in all aspects of their lives.
We, and not just I, can do something to help end child labor. But more than this, soon, as I fulfill my ambition as the arm of the law with a strong personal stance and principles, I want to be part of strengthening the laws and policies in protecting the children in the community.
“Fellow youth, you have the right! Do not be afraid of the dictates of the elders, especially if it is wrong. Working to help is not bad, but know if they are already abusing you. Many can help you do not be fearful. Know every right and be strong for yourself. We must work together!”