A child labourer struggle to access education

What happens when a child, through no fault of their own, is forced into great adversity? What happens when a child, born into poverty, is forced to help raise a sibling and work on the streets before they can even read and write? This is the personal account of one resilient and courageous young girl who faced such obstacles, and is now looking forward to a brighter future.

I’m raising my sister

My name is May Su*. I am 11 years old. I live in Myanmar . I’ve been out of school for about four years already. I dropped out of school because I don’t have money. My mother also passed away and there was my month-old little sister who needed care. I felt very sad when I had to drop out of school. When I was in school, I liked going to school with my friends and playing with my friends.

I sell spinach to support my family

I had to sell water spinach after I dropped out. When I first started selling, I was shy and scared. I’ve been selling water spinach for more than two years now. Over that time, I also had to look after my little sister. I sell water spinach from 7am. After selling, I go home to cook. I cook rice, curries, fry eggs and water spinach. Then I go to the non-formal education class

supported by ChildFund. In the evening, I sell from 4pm to about 5 or 6pm. My legs ache from walking.