In the bustling streets of Freetown, among the sea of pedestrians, vehicles, and street vendors, a tragic scene unfolds daily. Young children—many of whom are supposed to be in school—are weaving through traffic, balancing trays of merchandise, or calling out to passers-by in hopes of making a sale. These are not merely ordinary street vendors; these are children, some as young as six or seven, brought from rural provinces to Freetown under the promise of education and a better future, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of child labour and abuse.
For decades, families in Sierra Leone’s provinces have been sending their children to Freetown with relatives or family friends, believing that the capital offers greater educational opportunities and a chance for their children to escape the cycle of poverty. But upon arrival, the dreams of these children are often shattered. Instead of schoolbooks, they are handed trays filled with goods to sell. Their lives are consumed by endless hours on the streets, peddling wares to support the families or guardians with whom they live.
This form of child labour is not merely an unfortunate consequence of poverty; it is a betrayal of trust and a systemic failure. Parents in rural areas sacrifice so much, entrusting their children to those they believe will honour their hopes. But too often, these children become a source of income for their caretakers rather than the beneficiaries of education and opportunity.
For these children, life as a street vendor is harsh and unforgiving. From dawn till dusk, they roam the crowded markets, streets, and transport hubs, selling goods such as water, fruits, or small snacks. They learn quickly that in the chaotic world of street commerce, they are vulnerable—vulnerable to the dangers of traffic, to harassment from both adults and other children, and, at times, to physical and verbal abuse.
Street trading also exposes these young boys and girls to exploitation by unscrupulous adults. Some adults prey upon the children’s vulnerability, intimidating them or exploiting their labour without compensation. In extreme cases, children fall into far darker situations, including physical and emotional abuse, and even trafficking. What was meant to be a place of hope and opportunity instead becomes a battleground for survival, where childhood innocence is eroded day by day.
The long hours spent under the scorching sun or in torrential rains, combined with the constant stress of trying to meet sales targets, take a heavy toll on these children’s physical and mental health. Many suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, and exhaustion. Without access to adequate healthcare, they become susceptible to illness and injury, which are often left untreated.
Psychologically, the effects are profound. Constant exposure to the struggles of street life instils in them a sense of insecurity and a hardened outlook on life at a very young age. Studies on child labour have shown that early exposure to labour can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as well as stunted social and emotional development. For these children, their primary lessons are not in mathematics or literacy but in survival—a tragic substitute for the education they were promised.
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, yet these children have limited access to it. Even if some manage to attend school, they are often too tired to concentrate or even stay awake during lessons. For many, school becomes an afterthought, or worse, an unattainable dream.
The barriers to their education are not just financial. Many guardians discourage schooling altogether, seeing education as a “waste of time” that could otherwise be spent selling goods. Additionally, the government’s efforts to curb child labour and enforce compulsory education laws are poorly enforced, and some schools overlook the absenteeism or poor attendance of these children, failing to intervene in meaningful ways.
Child labour and abuse in Freetown reflect broader systemic failures. Poverty, lack of educational infrastructure in rural areas, inadequate child protection laws, and weak enforcement mechanisms contribute to this crisis. Despite various laws intended to protect children from labour exploitation, the reality on the ground is a glaring contradiction. Enforcement of child rights remains inconsistent, and offenders often go unpunished.
Non-governmental organizations and civil society have worked tirelessly to address the issue, yet their efforts can only go so far without support from the government. Stronger policies, better implementation, and community-based awareness campaigns are essential to combat child labour and ensure that education becomes a reality for every child. Strengthen Child Protection Laws: It is imperative that Sierra Leone enforces and strengthens existing child protection laws, specifically those that pertain to child labour and the right to education. Clear consequences must be established for guardians or employers who exploit children, with a focus on both punitive measures and rehabilitative support for the victims.
Increase Access to Education in Rural Areas: By improving educational infrastructure in rural areas, parents would be less compelled to send their children to Freetown. If children have access to quality education within their communities, the number of those sent to the city would likely decrease, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Community Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of education is crucial. Guardians and parents alike need to understand that trading their children’s education for short-term financial gain ultimately harms both the child and society.
Support Programs for Child Vendors: Outreach programs tailored to child vendors can provide them with healthcare, basic education, and emotional support. Partnering with local NGOs and international organizations could provide immediate relief and help reintegrate these children into school systems.
Hold Caregivers Accountable: Guardians who bring children to Freetown under the pretence of education must be held accountable for providing it. Creating a registry or tracking system could help ensure that children are enrolled in school and not exploited for labour.
The tragedy of child labour in Freetown is a reflection of missed potential—not just for the children themselves but for the country as a whole. Each of these young street vendors represents a future doctor, teacher, scientist, or leader whose potential remains unfulfilled. By allowing children to labour on the streets instead of learning in classrooms, Sierra Leone sacrifices its future leaders and innovators.
Reforming this reality will take more than policy changes; it requires a collective commitment from society to see every child as deserving of protection, care, and opportunity. Freetown’s streets should be a place of ambition, bustling with young students carrying backpacks, not trays of goods. Only then can Sierra Leone hope to build a future that honours the dreams of all its citizens, beginning with its youngest and most vulnerable.
