Today, June 12, is observed as World Day Against Child Labour. This year, the focus for World Day Against Child Labour is on child labour and supply chains. Back home, in Coimbatore, a marathon, in order to raise awareness about child labour, was organized. Registrations for the marathon started a few months ago.

The marathon was flagged off at VOC Park grounds. Runners had two distances to choose from – the five kilometre or 10 kilometre run. Hundreds of men and women, including college goers, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and homemakers, participated in the event.

The organizers collected a registration fee of Rs.500 from each participant. The funds raised through this event will be used to support the education of children. Parents who cannot afford to pay for their child’s education will be identified and funds will be handed over to them.

The marathon was organized by Coimbatore-based Fusion Media and Entertainments. A press release from the organization said that the objective of the run was not only to create awareness on the various difficulties and trauma a child undergoes, but also to voice the concerns of the citizens over the atrocities of child labour.

According to statistics, about 168 million children around the world work as child labourers, in various fields from agriculture to manufacturing, services to construction.