Bricks Before Books |
In Umerkot, Sindh, there are many children who can explain the science of brick-making with more confidence than they can read a textbook. They know the soil by touch, the water by measure, the sun by patience, and fire by fear. For them, bricks are an earning dream; as they grow, they believe this is the world in which they live and spend their years.
Some days ago, during a visit by the National Lobbying Delegation (NLDs), we asked a simple question at a brick kiln in Umerkot: “Who here is an expert in making bricks?” There were more than 60 children present — almost 98 per cent of them raised their hands without hesitation. Their answer was not learnt from books, but from survival.
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Unfortunately, they are not counted as child labour under official child labour criteria due to the absence of legal documents of engagement. However, these children work throughout the day at brick kilns, not by choice, but because they live there. Along with their parents, they remain engaged all day and face numerous challenges related to security, safety, health, road risks, fire hazards, and other incidents that may occur at brick kiln sites.
It is deeply shocking to know that these children understand every stage of brick-making. These innocent souls know which soil is best, how much water (pani) is required, how long the mixture must be kneaded with bare feet, and how many wooden frames are used to shape bricks. They know how many days a brick must dry under the harsh sun. They know how bricks are stacked inside the kiln, how fire travels, and how mistakes are punished. They also understand human behaviour — especially the behaviour of kiln owners. They know when wages will be delayed, when advances (peshgi) will trap their parents deeper into debt, and when shouting will turn into threats. These are lessons no child should ever........