Pakistan's Kids Work As Garbage Collectors To Make Ends Meet

Huffington Post by Zeinab Khan | Aug. 7, 2009 (News)

For eight-year-old Hayatullah and Abdul Haq, the day begins early in the morning. They take a wagon down to Islamabad from Faizabad (the main gateway between the twin Pakistani cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad), where they, amongst several others, begin their work rummaging and sifting through heaps of garbage, lying on the floor, or, in dumpsters.

Their large, intelligent bright eyes stare at me as I ashamedly, and, as subtly as possible, turn ... Full Story »

Posted by Fabrice Florin

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Derek Hawkins
3.0
 by Derek Hawkins - Aug. 7, 2009

The narrative of the garbage collectors is interesting, but this story lacks perspective from local business, charities, and independent sources who could comment on their case. Is there anyone working to make conditions better for these people? Where is the evidence that shows this is a growing problem?

Over the past several years, the amount of scavengers has multiplied as the poverty situation in the country has worsened. It is no longer just a profession ruled by migrants, but you know see several Pakistani children, including young girls, involved with such work. Instead of being honored for the environmental and social services of sorting out rubbish for recycling, they are ignored and looked down upon. They are also most prone to several diseases such as scabies and malaria. It is heartbreaking and disappointing to see such hard working and intelligent children, completely ignored by the system.

Good point, but is there any data supporting this?

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