Putting a Human Face on Child Labor in the Granite Industry, Meet Davali
I am usually not one to worry too much about those in third world countries, typical American, out of sight and out of mind issues aren’t a priority. This story about Bonded Labor children in India brought home the issue of just how bad those kids have it over there.
The story is about an orphanage in India that serves children who were victims of Bonded Labor. Davali was with sixty other children found working in an Indian stone quarry, none of the children had ever been to school, none had ever seen a book. Davali’s family was paid 33 cents per week for her labor.
Devali was born in the quarry where her father worked, was pressed into service at a very, very, young age. Carrying stones on her head stunted her growth, leading to severe neck and leg swelling . Davali’s father borrowed money from the quarry owner for Davali’s one doctor visit, leaving the family in insurmountable debt, leading to bonded labor for the entire family.
There is a video clip about these children if you are tough enough to watch it.
Davali is now eight years old, attending school at the orphanage.
Count your blessings that you were born in America no matter what. Ask yourself if any countertop material brought to market by child labor is a good thing.
This post is part of Operation Miles H. Crowes, named for a granite fabricator that brought this issue to the forefront.
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