Off the streets and into a better future

In the challenging environment of Tripoli, North of Lebanon, 11-year-old Khodr and 15-year-old Hadi faced hardships that no child should endure. Burdened by their families’ economic struggles, both boys were forced into labour at a young age, navigating dangerous conditions and harsh realities.

“I didn’t like going to work. I am happier returning to school. I can now read, write, and study. I’ve learned many things, including how to stand up for myself.”

Khodr, 11 years old

Facing the harsh realities of child labour

At just 11 and 9 years old, Khodr and his younger brother had to leave school to support their family after their father, Abo Khodr, suffered a severe accident, causing him to lose his ability to walk.

“I collected metal and plastic from the streets to sell them and help my family make ends meet,” Khodr recounts. His daily routine involved dangerous work, putting him and his younger brother at risk.
“Mahmoud (the younger brother) was exposed to many violent situations. He once came home with slap-marks all over his face”, said Abo Khodr.

Similarly, 15-year-old Hadi whose family also endured the consequences of the economic collapse, had to leave school at the age of 11 to work in a local bakery. “I was unhappy and faced verbal abuse from older workers,” Hadi shares. Despite his challenging circumstances, he continued working due to financial pressures.

A new path for a safe childhood

Khodr, Hadi and their families joined a project aimed at combating child labour. Encouraged by his sister, Khodr’s family joined the programme, while Hadi’s aunt, who had benefited from awareness sessions, signed him up.

Khodr and his younger brother, who had not been out of school for long, were able to return to school with financial support from the project. “School is much better than labour. I feel like I can achieve my dreams now,” Khodr expresses.

In contrast, Hadi was redirected towards competency-based training due to his longer absence from school. This vocational training allowed him to learn baking skills and work under safe conditions. “The training taught me valuable skills and how to work professionally,” Hadi says. With his father’s support, they opened a bakery kiosk in their community.

On their way to a better future

Today, Khodr is thriving in school, while his younger brother also continues his education. “I didn’t like going to work. I am happier returning to school. I can now read, write, and study. I’ve learned many things, including how to stand up for myself.” expressed Khodr.

Hadi and his father continue to work in their bakery business, aiming to create fair working conditions for others. “I want to build a supportive work environment,” Hadi shares, with his father adding, “The project helped us understand the importance of protecting our children and creating better opportunities for them.”

A path forward

Plan International Lebanon’s project, 3a Tari2na – On Our Way, in partnership with the René Moawad Foundation, in which Khodr, Hadi and their families took part in, has reached out to 500 children, 300 parents, and 50 employers, making significant strides in addressing child labour and supporting educational and vocational pathways.

Since 2018, Plan International has prioritised the fight against the worst forms of child labour. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, the project has tackled child labour in the streets of Tripoli, enhancing the capacities of 50 frontline workers and collaborating with ministries, funders, and NGOs to drive systemic change.

The project provids financial support to return children to school and facilitates vocational training for others, enabling them to work under safe and fair conditions. This comprehensive approach highlights Plan International’s commitment to eradicating child labour and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. In recognition of these efforts, Plan International has joined the National Committee for Fighting Child Labour and continues to work with the International Labour Organization to promote global cooperation and effective solutions.