Save the Belias

ADMC Group is a Dutch company active in the healthcare sector. ADMC Group outsources the production of medical equipment and other materials in Egypt. With the ‘Save the Belias’ project,  ADMC Group works, together with partners, towards creating a child labor-free supply chain, and towards enhancing the health and education of the children who were former child labourers. The project takes place in Manshiyat Naser in Cairo, Egypt. 

In project A 1269 children aged 14 to 17 and 464 children aged 5 to 13 were found in child labour in 784 workshops in Manshiyat Naser. The main root causes which were found in the local impact assessment are: 

• High dropout rates from education;
• Parents wanting their children to learn a craftsmanship;
• High demand for child labourers because of low levels of technology in production processes;
• A lack of childhood facilities in Manshiyat Naser;
• Cultural values.

ADMC Group and the participating partners also analysed their purchasing practices and the link to the prevalence of child labour. 

Based on the findings of Project A, ADMC Group has formulated the interventions for Project B. Project B will include activities focusing on: 

• Awareness raising;
• Withdrawing children out of labour and helping them to enroll in the community school;
• Setting up apprenticeships and vocational training for the children age 14-17 years;
• Providing healthcare for the children and families;
• Providing support for the workshops with the WISE tool developed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO);
• Support families (parents) with additional income generating activities.