Travel is mind-expanding, for sure. I’ve traveled to several countries, and I always look at employment and jobs in different countries. Recently, my family and I traveled to Egypt with a group that included 9 children, 4 of whom were my grandchildren. I commented to the 7-year-old twins that they could work if they lived in Egypt. We saw children weaving handmade rugs. We were told the training begins at age 12. Having smaller hands is important. We had children driving our boat down the Nile who appeared to be around ten years old; no adults were present. Children sold trinkets on the side of the road or at any tourist location. Many are as young as 5.
The camel I rode was led by a 4-year-old child. We in our country have protections against child labor, but in many countries there are not such protections. In Spain, people with disabilities sell newspapers on street corners.
I asked our guide about school for children. He said they were required to attend school, much the same as in the US, but it didn’t appear to be a necessity. Since regularly, we saw school-aged children hawking goods, driving boats, guiding camels, and taking care of details adults normally would do.
We are blessed to have agencies like Mission Possible Employment Services that help those on benefits find meaningful employment. We have WorkSource and many other resources. Our children are required to go to school to be educated. While we can choose to lead camels, weave rugs, or drive boats, we have more choices because of our education and the opportunities in our country.
We loved Egpyt! It has a rich history, fascinating buildings, and delicious food. But I was glad to reach the USA and look with fresh eyes at all our blessings.
~ Patty
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