Vichheka Sok

This article was written while I was working for World Vision Cambodia.

Title: I learn dangerous things at the brick factory

Danine is 12 years old. She is the oldest daughter of two siblings. Her parents have been working the brick factory for years in order to earn an income to support the family. Danine too used to work in the brick factory with her parents, even though her parents did not allow her to work.

Danine says, “I wanted to help my parents earn some money for the family because I love them and they work daily, and return home exhausted and pale.”

She adds, “I realized that working in the brick factory is not good work because it’s really hot and it’s dangerous, especially the clay grind-machine.”

She recounts, “I remembered once my uncle was about to lose his right arm because of the clay grind-machine. The machine was working, and my uncle tried to put the big cube of clay into the machine. Suddenly his scarf that we wore around his neck rolled into the machine, and he had to touch the machine to stop himself (from getting pulled in). Luckily he’s safe because the machine turned off.”

She adds that, “I never forgot this incident, I was so scared and I felt like I didn’t want my parents to work in the brick factory too because I was so worried about that grind-machine.

“I worked as brick preparer at the brick factory. It’s heavy, and m y hands seemed rough and insensitive. My parents’ hands were also rough and hard; this showed they work so hard. I felt pity for them.”

Danine and her family got to know World Vision’s Social Mobilization Against Child Labor Project (SMCLP) in 2011 when the outreach team visited the brick factory and gathered children, as well as parents to learn about work in the brick factory.

“My aunty called me immediately to meet World Vision staff to answer questions. I answered all questions of World Vision staff. And I told them what I saw in the brick factory, especially my uncle’s story who was about to lose his right arm. I was so happy when I heard that there is a centre for children to go and study with a playground to play,” Danine says.

“Studying at the centre, I could learn lots like how to calculate. There were nice books to read, many toys to play, good food to eat and good World Vision staff there who talked to me and other children so nicely. And I have learned about hygiene. I shared what I have learned at the centre with my younger sister and my parents. I felt so warm staying at the centre because all the staff there really love children, and I love them too.”

Danine sits in the hammock and says, “My mother used to attend parenting training of SMCLP. She shared all the information with family members when she returned home. Since then she pushes me to study hard and stop going to the brick factory. She told me with nice words to focus on studying for a better future, to avoid working in the brick factory which is really hard work and it’s for only illiterate people.”

Danine’s mother shares, “My husband and I keep trying hard to earn money to support the two children to have a higher education. I experienced working in the brick factory for myself; it’s really hard work with a low wage. I love to see both of my daughters live in a good condition. It’s my responsibility to take a good care of them.”

Danine smiles, “Before, I was not an outstanding student, but now I can do well in class. I can focus more on studying. I do homework every night at home with my mother who keeps encouraging me and follows up on my studying very closely.”

Asking what makes her the most happy, Danine says excitedly, “If I became a doctor, I’ll be happy really. I think to be a doctor is much easier than working in the hot brick factory.”

Her mother is sitting on the chair close to her, “She asks Danine, “What should you do to be a doctor?”

Danine grins and replies, “I have to study hard and I need support from daddy and mommy as well as World Vision staff.”

Danine’s mother concludes, “I would thank World Vision’s SMCLP for always inviting me to attend the useful trainings regarding parenting and other trainings that really make me feel that I can be a better mother. School materials that my daughter has received from World Vision, it’s helpful and encourages her to studying hard. Thank you.”

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