The passage you provided is from the book "Iqbal" by Francesco D'Adamo. It tells the story of Iqbal Masih, a young Pakistani boy who was forced into child labor but eventually escaped and became an advocate against child labor. This excerpt highlights the harsh conditions and challenges that Iqbal faced as a child laborer, as well as his determination to pursue education after his escape. It also touches upon the themes of child labor, human rights, and the power of education.
The passage emphasizes the following points:
Iqbal's Young Age and Stature: Iqbal's small frame and youthful appearance made him appear even younger than he actually was. This underscores the tragedy of children being forced into labor at a very young age, depriving them of their childhood.
Long and Grueling Work Hours: The passage mentions Iqbal's incredibly long workdays of twelve hours, six days a week. This portrays the harsh reality of child labor, where young children are subjected to excessive working hours, impacting their physical and mental well-being.
Lack of Rights and Exploitation: The text mentions that the man not only had control over Iqbal's labor but also the potential to sell him to other factory owners. This illustrates the vulnerability and lack of rights that child laborers often face, as they are treated as commodities rather than human beings.
Iqbal's Escape and Education: Despite the challenges, Iqbal's determination and the intervention of a human-rights organization enabled him to escape from his exploitative situation. He managed to attend school and even progressed academically by completing two grade levels in his first year of formal education.
Overall, this passage highlights the grim realities of child labor while also showcasing Iqbal's courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It sheds light on the importance of addressing issues like child labor, advocating for children's rights, and providing access to education to create a better future for young individuals like Iqbal.