Over four million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are forced into exploitative labour in Bangladesh. Some sell food on the roadside, others work in textile factories, aluminium plants or on rubbish dumps - often up to 19 hours a day, often for a pittance of just a few euros a week. We help them together with UNICEF:

• Through children's centres where children can learn and sleep.
• In programmes that promote education and social security.
• With social workers who offer protection and prospects.

Poverty forces children onto the streets

Around 11 million children live on the streets. Poverty, hunger and the search for work have brought them there. Their living conditions are precarious and they are exposed to great dangers. In children's centres, UNICEF offers them the opportunity to learn, they receive comprehensive care and have a safe place to sleep.

Work is often dangerous

Sumon (above) works in an aluminium factory. His wage is four cents an hour. Aluminium splinters can injure his eyes and his hands can easily get caught in a machine. He removes silvery residues with a light acid. He can now be a child for two hours a day in a child protection centre.