More than half the population in developing countries lives in rural areas where there is very little employment and sustenance farming is their sole source of income. Innate poverty in the rural parts of Africa is an endemic that prevents most children from having the childhood they deserve.

If we take the example of Cameroon, primary education is ‘free’ as the government claims but they fail to mention that parents still have to pay approximately $24 per child. These fees include registration fees, PTA (Parents Teacher Association fees) and examinations fees. These amounts do not cover exercise books, textbooks, and other school accessories. People living in extreme poverty are affected and most often are unable to afford these ‘basic’ fees for their children.

To assist in the economy of the household, children with age range from 5 to 16 are sent to streets to sell and make money for the family. There are no real statistics on the number of children that are in streets selling and hooking during school hours.

Due to the fact that this burden affects hundreds of children in rural communities in developing countries, we must address this issue to help provide lessen the burden and opportunities for the children.

NEXT: The Opportunity