REFLECTION POST

It doesn't matter if you're a global citizen or not, global issues impact EVERYONE in one way. Child labour in China doesn't only effect the children in China, but us as well. We all live on the same planet, breathe the same air, and buy/trade products with each other. So, whether the GLOBAL issue is occurring in China, it effects us Canadians. We are one of the countries that are making this issue worse. We create more and more jobs for the kids, because we rely on China for so many things.

Everyone can contribute to a positive change (stopping child labour). We can start buying fair trade, research where our clothes were made, and stop buying so much produce from a child labouring country. So, as family's, companies, and individuals, we can all start any day now, it's very easy to switch where you buy your clothes or food, it's not going to completely change your lifestyle. If we all "Pitch in", we will start seeing a positive change in the amount of children impacted my labour.

Even the smallest action, such as paying fair trade, or even maybe paying extra fees for a child-free product. It's unbelievable how much we can change this terrible situation. If you donate 1$ to Chinese child labour watch, it'll add up over time, which will benefit everyone! Not only will you feel great after doing it, you'll save a child! It's incredible to think that 1$ will make all the difference, but trust me 1$ adds up over time. It'll be worth it!

Global and local issues really do require a logical, well thought out plan, to solve it properly. We can't all just try to attack the situation at random times, because we need everyone helping at the same time. If someone threw in a 5$ bill, and the next donation was 50 cents six weeks later, what good will that do? We need to all be ready to attack this problem, and put it to a stop at the same time, and stop it for good! If we all worked very hard and gave as much money as willing to, at the same time, that'd be great! Everyone needs to be aware of this issue, and we all need to abolish it in an orderly fashion.

Now, I understand that I said stop buying so much from one country, and spread it out a bit. But how do we balance the world's need for products with the protection of people/the environment? We can not only spread out the time we purchase the products, but also make more products fair trade and ensure that the people and environment are protected, as well as ensuring that the countries are getting what they pay for. Fair trade does just that! It protects people, the environment and it's good price and quality! Why turn this down? This really and truly the only way you can ensure everyone and thing is safe, but countries are still getting what they pay for. Also, we need to spread out the time we purchase the products, because then we are tiring out the HAPPY workers. However if you're in desperate need of a product, that's completely understandable. 

In my opinion, we as individuals can do quite a bit, but we need help from everyone, including  the government  and corporations. Corporations are completely in control right now, but the government are able to lay down laws for stopping child labour in China, but we as individuals also need to pull our end of the stick, by really and truly understand the issues in the world, and know it's now or never. Also, it's up to us to follow those laws and decide whether or not to buy fair trade and research our products. So, as I stated before, we need everyone's help! Everyone is responsible for looking after each other, we rely on each other for everything. Therefore, everyone is responsible for finding a solution for child labour in China.

Lastly, I strongly believe that things  in a way has changed for the better over the past few decades, however some situations are getting worse and worse daily. We have grown economically, relying on each other for a lot of products, and we also have got some great new technologies as well, allowing us to really connect with each other and meet new people. Sadly, some situations such as child labour have not. Millions of children in China are suffering daily, with their lives becoming worse and worse daily, as they are growing up and missing their education. Obviously we aren't that aware and concerned about one another, because China isn't even close to being the only country that has child labour. If only there was a way to help the poor kids forever, and let them know that there are some people out there willing to help.

I hope that everyone learned a lot from this blog, because I worked very hard coming up with plans to help these children. I encourage you to share this blog, to raise awareness. I also hope that you feel differently about this situation, and are now 100% willing to help them. Please share this blog with friends, family, or post it on Facebook! In China, their rights are being violated. Which definitely needs to stop ASAP. I truly thank you for reading this blog, hopefully you do the same thing.

My Plan to Help

     I know that during this entire blog I've been saying you guys have to do this, and never do that. However I also need to pull my weight in this issue. I've though ahead, and created a plan for myself, to help... Firstly, I'm going to be more open minded to things, such as fair trade and keep up-to-date with this situation in China. I think that it's super important to always know what's going on especially because I feel so strongly about it.  Secondly, I've also decided to continue to encourage you to share this blog, to keep raising awareness, and show other people reading that this is a truly horrible issue in china, and it's going to take EVERYONE to stop it. I'm going to share it on social media, and with friends and family. Thirdly, I'm also going to be more open to fair trade, because I don't do enough research to find out who made my shirt or whatever. I am willing to spend the time researching, considering I'm spending my time writing these blog posts' for a specific reason. Also, I'm going to look into fundraisers, and do as best as I can to support the kids.  Even if I just donate 1$, or give more money, that's okay! A little can go a long way...I think that everyone else can do it as well, and with a little time and effort from all, we might pull this one off!

Lastly, I'm going to also to get friends and family members involved, encouraging them to also do research and buy fair trade.Whether it be that a child didn't make it, or the adult was paid fair. I will admit that my family and friends aren't that aware of how bad this issue is, and now that I wrote this entire thing, I really think that we have a chance here! So, I'm asking for your help, but I'm also giving you mine. I want the best for those kids, and if it causes me trouble, that's okay. No child should EVER have to go through such torture. I'm not even sure how us humans let it get to this point. But, it's now or never. It's all up to us...

How Individuals can get involved

     Even though child labour in China has been going on for seventy some years, it doesn't mean we have to give up because there's no point in trying any more, there's still some things individuals can do, to help the kids. Stop buying so much, fair trade, and even do research to find out who made your product. Just the smallest change you make now, will effect the kids in the future. The choice is ours, it's now or never! 

      In previous posts', I've said this a lot. Stop buying so much from China! I know that they make cheap, OK quality items, but it's not in our best interests to buy them. Children are making them, and the more we buy from them, the harder they work. It's absolutely terrible that this generation isn't willing to do something for them. I'm not speaking for everyone, because I also understand there is people out there (Global citizens) who are trying their best, but that's not enough. We need everyone's help, and we need it now!

     Secondly, fair trade. Fair trade ensures that the producer is paid fairly. It's a win-win situation for everyone, because we still get the great quality, but the producers are paid equally as well! It's a very beneficial choice to make, and it gives you a good name. Why wouldn't you? You're not changing your entire lifestyle by switching to fair trade, you're just benefiting from it, and that's all that should matter.Also, if you're not willing to buy fair trade, there's still another way you can attack this situation, however it'll take a lot more time. You can do some research, on who made your product. If you see that it wasn't made equally or children made it, STOP. Leave it alone and go on with your day. It's exactly like you're on a diet. The chocolate bar waiting on the shelf won't benefit you. Your wallet will thank you. I highly recommend doing this. How many times during a shopping spree do you stop and ask yourself "Who made this?" Rarely! 

Lastly, you can even volunteer in China, to put an end to child labour! This idea was made for anyone who REALLY believes this is the way to go, because some people (Fashion freaks) would never be able to understand the idea of the whole fair trade clothing idea. If they found out that their favourite shirt was made by a child that was paid thirty cents a day, how do you think they'd react? Burn the clothes? Start going fair trade? Or maybe "I love this shirt too much, I'll start keeping an eye out next time? Thought so! Everyone is going to have a different approach to every single issue, that's why I wanted to give a variety of ideas.

The children China are calling out for help! This is the time they need it most. Don't hide your name, get out there and speak! No one is going to listen to a fourteen-year-old girl from little old Prince Edward Island, that's where you come in! It's your job to speak. When millions of others start to speak out on this issue, then your job is done! Let's do this!

How's Canada involved?

    Child Labour in China is taking place across the world, but why do we Canadians need to even worry/do anything about this problem? The answer is simple. We need EVERYONE from all over the world to help these kids. Canada is one of the major countries that are making this problem worse, but we don't all know that.

  One of the major issues that Canada is doing, is buying too much from China, or not enough fair trade. It's crazy to think that every little thing that Canada does effects the kids in China. Because of us, Chinese children have to work two times as hard, and much. We don't think we are doing anything wrong just by purchasing a pair of jeans, but instead we are giving more children more jobs. 

      Secondly, we don't support them whatsoever. We don't go down and protest against child labour, or volunteer to help them get out, instead we proceed with the purchase and go on with our day. There are many news articles out there that explain to everyone globally how blind we are! I wish everyone would just realize how bad they have it, because I sure wouldn't want to be in their position, and I can guarantee you wouldn't either. 

       However, some Canadians are very, very, very smart, and pay extra cash for "Child labour Free". I was very relieved to hear this, and even though it's going to cost more money to get it "Child Labour Free", it's benefits them! Not only did an adult make it, but they saved an extra life! It's absolutely crazy how much we contribute to this issue. If we all paid the extra money and soon China got over the poverty line, then children wouldn't have to live a wasted life! It might be a long shot, but the is still a chance it could happen.

Challenges Involved

   There are many problems/challenges that go along with child labour in China. The children get taken away from their homes, they can't get an education, they work up until their adult years, and then have to work again until they retire (but, they have to have money in order to do that!), and even die. 

      Firstly, they get taken from their homes, because their parents can't look after them. It's a very big challenge, for both the parents and siblings, because they all have to cope with the fact that they will never see them again, and for some families it's so tough, that they just can't deal with it any more, and some people even die from depression. I mean it's not like the parents want to give their child away! To us Canadians and every other country, we don't realize how HUGE of a deal this really is...

        Secondly, they can't get an education. That's actually terrible! You hear Canadian and American children always complaining about the fact that they hate school and never want to go and sometimes even skip. In China, the kids would KILL to get an education, and would value it dearly. Also, when they grow up, they are completely clueless, and don't even know the basic math problems, or they don't even know how to read! If you don't know how to read, good luck. It's a major challenge for all adults that were put through child labour, because they don't know anything, except how to make a t-shirt, and that ability can only go so far.

     Thirdly, when they finally break through the age and can stop child labour, it's not as easy as you think.  As soon as they hit adulthood, they must go out and try to get money, (but they get paid less than minimum wage), and have to try and raise a family! It's like a cycle. Problems occurring left, right, and centre.This life is not as fun as you'd imagine either. Some parents/grown ups just can't deal with this stress, and it puts even more stress on the kids, and then parents can't look after them and then the cycle resets. It's a terrible life actually, but some people just don't see it.

    Lastly, in previous posts' I've stated that some children in China die because of the heat and exhaustion, and I'm hoping now you see why. They are working all day everyday, for the rest of their days. It's a challenge for them, because no one teaches them how to use equipment, however they are punished severely if they don't do it right. They are struggling just to stay alive, and you might think why don't they just run away and go somewhere else to live? Well, how can they? They can't just move away at the age of five, and take care of themselves. No one is teaching them survival skills, so they wouldn't even last a week. 

Whose involved in making Child Labour in China worse?

     Child Labour in China appears to everybody that the problem only exists in China, and there's nothing we can do about it. However, that's definitely not the case! Everyone in this world in connected in more ways then you think. We breathe the same air, and we also buy/trade products with each other. Saying that, you'd think we'd all be up-to-date with all different issues occurring all around the world right? Well, not exactly. Not everyone is aware on how big of an issue China's child labour problem is, and there are countries out there that are making it worse, and they don't even realize it! Canada, USA, and South Korea are just three examples of countries that are involved in making this issue worse, but how so?

  
     Firstly, Canada. Canada's population is around thirty-five million! Also, China's exports to Canada amounted to $30 billion or 1.3% of it's overall exports. That means that 30 billion dollars has been given to China, just so Canada can survive on it 's own. Canada spends so much money on Chinese products, such as clothing, electronic equipment, and furniture. Don't forget that they need a lot more employees, so they take children whose parents can't afford to take care of them. So, that means the children are put to work for fourteen hours a day, just so Canada can get what we supposedly "Must have". Children in China then die from exhaustion, and then more children are taken in, and it's a cycle. Canada can reduce their needs, or all become global citizens and buy fair trade, instead of buying unnecessary things, that isn't helping anyone but themselves.

     Secondly, USA. USA'S population is around 318 million! Isn't that insane? China's exports to the US amounted to $397.2 billion or 17% of its overall exports. That's like 13 times more dollars spent! Canada is NOTHING compared to the USA. USA can drastically reduce their exporting needs, and by somewhere closer or fair trade.  USA purchases products such as vehicles, toys, and machines/engines.The whole reason USA buys so much from China is because china makes everything very cheap, and that's where the whole labour issue comes into play. It's absolutely terrifying to see how globalized our world has become, and how dependent we became on each other. We rely on each other for everything, and if one country falls, hundred follow...

      Lastly, South Korea. China's exports to South Korea amounted to$100.4 billion or 4.3% of its overall exports. South Korea purchases oil, furniture, and iron and steel. Also, South Korea only buys products from China, because they're good quality, and they'e cheap! I myself, am willing to admit that I don't think of where or who made the bed I sleep on at night, or the clothes I wear, but I sure am willing to stop and think from now on. South Korea's population is around 50 million, and I think that it's going to take a lot to get everyone's attention, and make everyone buy fair trade.

Organizations involved in helping Child Labour in China

     Even though China has been going through some very tough times from 1849-now, they aren't going through it alone. There are some organizations that are involved with helping the Children, such as UNICEF, The Harmony Foundation, and Free The Children. 

    http://www.unicef.cn/en/ 

     UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) is an IGO/NGO that works in 192 countries all over the world, (including China). UNICEF'S main goal is to help children survive wherever they live, stop child exploitation (child exploitation is when people give children "goodies" such as food, cigarettes or even drugs to preform sexual activities on them), give children education, help children with HIV/AIDS, and last but not least... child advocacy! Child advocacy is a group of people who work together to help children and protect their rights. They are a part of the UN (United Nations), and they are the only organization willing to risk their own lives for the sake of children. UNICEF employees travel however they can to help children. Whether it be by boat, plane or car, they'll be there as soon as they can! UNICEF has helped the children in china for years now, and there is many more to come!

  http://harmonyfdn.ca/?page_id=861

    Harmony Foundation is a charity, that provides education to children and other citizens. It was founded in 1985, and is universally recognized. Their goals/missions are to make our world more sustainable, while keeping up with our challenging lives, provide an education program, that challenges people yet gives them exactly what they need, and raise everyone with respect. They range from all sorts of topics from poverty to culture loss, but I'm just going to be focusing on child labour. Millions of children are working in absolutely mind-blowing conditions, and Harmony Foundation is the only organization that realizes that! Thanks to Michael Bloomfield, who started this organization, which is now internationally recognized! Harmony Foundation has helped the children in China get an education, and stay true to themselves.

http://www.freethechildren.com/international-programming/where-we-work/china/

   Free the children is an international programme, that started working in China in 2002. The organization was founded by Craig Kielburger in 1995 when he gathered 11 school friends to begin fighting child labour. He was 12. Their objectives in China are to terminate child labour in China, provide access for an education for them, and build capacity among rural china, and help those who are struggling. Free the Children has empowered thousands of children to take control of their own lives, and make the best of it.

      Did you know more than five million children in China have dropped out of school and are now full-time child labourers? Absolutely crazy?!?!Yet we still aren't doing anything about it!

      As you can see, there are organizations/people out there that are crying for help, pleading for our help. We need to help those children in China who are suffering. Society just took the first baby step to solve this monstrosity, and now it's our turn...