CHILD LABOUR, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF

CHILDREN

A CASE STUDY OF LUGAZI SUGAR PLANTATION

BY

AKATUHWERA PRICY

18/U/SSD/13412/PD

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

AS A REQUIREMENT IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE AWARD OF A
BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES OF
KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

JULY, 2022
 DECLARATION
I AKATUHWERA PRICY, declare that this report is solely my original work and has not been
published or submitted to any Institution of higher learning for any academic qualification or
award.

Signature......................................................... Date........................................................

ii
 APPROVAL
This research has been under my supervision and guidance and is now ready for submission to
the Department of psychology for further examination.

Signature……………………………………. Date ………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….

(SUPERVISOR)

iii
 DEDICATION
This report is dedicated to my parents Mr…………and Mrs. for having supported me
in all my struggles during my academic journey. May the almighty God bless you abundantly.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank the Almighty God for giving me courage, wisdom, time and strength to complete my
research.

My second sincerity goes to my supervisor for her guidance in the whole research process,
thanks for being patient and caring.

I also acknowledge the co-operation, assistance and support of friends, whose advice was of
greatest importance in accomplishing this task.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................ii

APPROVAL...................................................................................................................................iii

DEDICATION................................................................................................................................iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................ix

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background to the study........................................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of the research problem.........................................................................................3

1.3 Purpose of the study...............................................................................................................4

1.3.1 Specific objectives...........................................................................................................4

1.4 Hypothesis..............................................................................................................................4

1.5 Research questions.................................................................................................................4

1.6 Scope of the study..................................................................................................................5

1.6.1 Content scope..................................................................................................................5

1.6.2 Time scope......................................................................................................................5

1.6.3 Geographical scope.........................................................................................................5

1.7 Conceptual framework...........................................................................................................5

1.8 Significance of the study........................................................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................7

LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................7

2.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................7

2.1 Forms of child labour experienced by children.....................................................................7

2.2 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour.................................9

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 2.3 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children. 11

2.4 Effects of social support on the psychological wellbeing of children.................................13

CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................15

METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................15

3.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................15

3.1 Research Design...................................................................................................................15

3.2 Study Population..................................................................................................................15

3.3 Sample size..........................................................................................................................16

3.4 Sampling techniques............................................................................................................16

3.4.1 Purposive sampling.......................................................................................................16

3.4.2 Simple random sampling...............................................................................................17

3.5 Data sources.........................................................................................................................17

3.5.1 Primary sources of data.................................................................................................17

3.5.2 Secondary Data..............................................................................................................17

3.6 Data collection methods/ instruments..................................................................................18

3.6.1 Focus Group Discussion................................................................................................18

3.6.2 Interview........................................................................................................................18

3.6.3 Observation...................................................................................................................18

3.7 Measurement scales for key variables.................................................................................19

3.7.1 Social support................................................................................................................19

3.7.2 Child labour...................................................................................................................19

3.7.3 Psychological wellbeing................................................................................................20

3.8 Data collection procedures...................................................................................................21

3.9 Data analysis........................................................................................................................21

3.10 Ethical considerations........................................................................................................21

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CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................22

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION...........................................22

4.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................22

4.1 Response rate.......................................................................................................................22

4.2 Demographic characteristics of respondents........................................................................22

4.2.1 Sex of respondents.........................................................................................................22

4.2.2 Age bracket of the respondents.....................................................................................23

4.2.3 Religion of the respondents...........................................................................................23

4.2.4 Education level of the respondents................................................................................24

4.2.5 Marital status of the respondents...................................................................................25

4.3 Participants’ views about child labour.................................................................................25

4.4 Forms of child labour experienced by children...................................................................27

4.5 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour...............................31

4.6 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children. 35

CHAPTER FIVE...........................................................................................................................38

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................38

5.0 introduction..........................................................................................................................38

5.1 Summary of findings............................................................................................................38

5.1.1 The forms of child labour experienced by children......................................................38

5.1.2 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour........................38

5.1.3 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of
children...................................................................................................................................39

5.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................39

5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................39

5.4 Areas of further research......................................................................................................41

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 ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between child labour, social support
and psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation. The study was based on
three research objectives which include: to find out the forms of child labor that affect the
psychological wellbeing of the children in Lugazi sugar plantation, to find out the forms of social
support given to children exposed to child labour and to find out the effect of child labour and
social support on the psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

The study was important for further scholars who were interested in carrying out studies in
relation to child labour effects on the psychological wellbeing of children and served as a guide
for social workers, policy Implementors, psychologists and health practitioners who used the
recommendations from this study as a guide for providing solutions to child labour in the future.

Relevant literature in relation to the research objectives was assessed. The study employed a
cross sectional research design. The research included the use of both quantitative and qualitative
methods of data collection. The study sample included 85 respondents.

The study found out the forms of child labour which included: planting, weeding, cutting,
loading and vending of sugarcane, domestic work and production of other goods for household.
The study also found out the forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour
and these included: emotional support, financial support, physical support and companion
support. The study further found out the effect of child labour and social support on the
psychological wellbeing of children and these include: depression, stress, hopelessness, shame,
guilt, loss of confidence and anxiety.

The study recommended that National level study on child labour in sugarcane growing should
be conducted. There is dire need to conduct research to determine the magnitude and dimension
of child labour in sugar growing communities in Uganda. This will help inform and guide
effective policy action against child labour in this sub sector.

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

According to UNICEF, children under 18 years old account for almost one third of the world’s
population (UNICEF, 2021). In many countries, children and youth make up almost one half of
the national population and they are among the most marginalized and vulnerable members of
society needing special protective measures to ensure the wholesome development of the child.
With an increase in foreign and local investment coupled with high poverty levels and demand
for cheap labour by corporate entities, it is inevitable that business, whether small or large, will
interact with and have an effect on the lives of children both directly and indirectly (Bureau of
International Labor Affairs, 2021).

According to the International Labor Organization (2018), a total of 152 million children among
which are 64 million girls and 88 million boys are in child labor globally, accounting for almost
one in ten of all children worldwide. Nearly half of all those in child labor, 73 million children in
absolute terms, are in hazardous work that directly endangers their health, safety, and moral
development. Children in employment, a broader measure comprising both child labor and
permitted forms of employment involving children of legal working age total to 218 million
(ILO, 2018).

Children involved in child labour are known to experience enormous on the psychological
effects. Carter (2019) reveled that noted that work-related stress can cause behavioural, medical,
and psychological problems. Behavioural changes tend to be the earliest and most overt signs of
stress, and include: greater alcohol and drug abuse; increased cigarette smoking, accident
proneness; and violence. Psychological consequences include family problems, sleep
disturbances; sexual dysfunction; and depression. These effects are known to negative affect the
psychological wellbeing of these children.

Psychological wellbeing is a core feature of mental health, and may be defined as including
hedonic (enjoyment, pleasure) and eudaimonic (meaning, fulfillment) happiness, as well as
resilience (coping, emotion regulation, healthy problem solving) (Huang, 2017). In order to

1
achieve this state of mind among the children subjected to child labour, there is need to provide
social support which is defined as an individual’s belief that family, friends, and others will
provide material aid, emotional support, and knowledge when necessary (Wills, Bantum &
Ainette, 2016).

In Africa, child labor is as old as the black man’s society has ever lived. It is on record that, all
African cultures and societies encouraged children to work as a sign of commitment, discipline,
and responsibility of one’s intellect to maturity, this work would take form of hunting especially
for boys, digging, fruit gathering, and baby seating and cooking for the girls. These forms of
child labour manifesting through various forms work have psychosocial effects on the well being
of the children, restricts or damages their physical, emotional, intellectual, social or spiritual
growth as children, and which denies their right to develop, play or go to school (Okala, 2019).

Africa has the largest number of child labourers, 72.1 million African children are estimated to
be in child labour and 31.5 million in hazardous work (ILO, 2021). Progress against child labour
appears to have stalled in Africa. Child labour went up in Sub-Saharan Africa over the 2012 to
2016 period, in contrast to continued progress elsewhere in the world, and despite the targeted
policies implemented by African governments to combat child labour (Adonteng-Kissi, 2021).

Of the children in child labour, Africa’s agriculture accounts for 85 per cent and for 61.4 million
children in absolute terms (ILO, 2021). Child labour in agriculture relates primarily to
subsistence and commercial farming and livestock herding; and it is often hazardous in its nature
and in the circumstances, it is carried out. Of the remaining children in child labour in Africa, 8.1
million (11 per cent) are found in the services sector and 2.7 million (4 per cent) are found in
industry (ILO, 2021).

Nevertheless, child labor continues to occur in many different forms that can be easily observed,
and sometimes hidden from our ordinary seen. The most common forms of child labor are found
in industrial work. It should be noted that, work in industries can be regular or casual, legal or
illegal and parents, government and employers being the principle beneficiaries. The worst thing
about child labor is that, the victims work for long hours without adequate protection and
training. Consequently, victims of child labor suffer from physical strain, fatigue, emotional and
psychological disorders (Majanja, 2021).

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In Uganda, child labor manifests in different communities sometimes hidden underneath the
pretext of preparing children for a productive adulthood (Majanja, 2021). According to the
International Labor Organization (ILO), child labor is defined as work that deprives children of
their childhood, their potential and dignity and is harmful to their physical or mental
development.

During Covid-19, school closures as a result of the pandemic affected routine learning of more
than 15 million learners in Uganda. The Covid-19 pandemic hit at a time when Uganda had more
than 2,048,000 children aged between five years and 17 years engaged in child labor (UBOS
UNHS 2016/17). This has affected their mental and spiritual wellness which has robbed these
children of their young life and exposed them to risks such as dropping out school.

Lugazi located in Buikwe district is the sugar cane growing center for many sugar corporations
such as Kakira, Lugazi sugar and sugar corporation of Uganda limited (SCOUL). The sugar
plantations in Lugazi form daily work for residents in the area and this extends to many of the
children in the area. In the covid-19 period, district reports indicated more than 40% of children
involved in sugar cane growing activities that are hazardous and dangerous constituting of child
labour (Okala, 2019). This study will therefore investigate the effect of child labor and social
support on the psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

1.2 Statement of the research problem

Uganda ratified the Convention on Rights of the Child in 1990 and the International Convention
on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 1994. The above documents together with Uganda
Children's Act (Cap 59) condemned the practice of child labor in Uganda. However, despite
several policies and by-laws enacted by the government of Uganda since 1995 at the
promulgation of the new Constitution of the Republic of Uganda which as well prohibited child
labor, reports from several Civil Society Organizations and Inter Governmental Organizations
still indicate that, there has been increased engagement of children in economic labor to the
highest numbers during the covid-19 times. The local government in Buikwe district has been
promulgating domestic policies to halt child labor which include community sensitization, arrest
of parents or care givers who send their child to work in sugar plantations.

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However, regardless of all Children protection laws, child labor is still on increase given the fact
that all child labor laws and policies focus on stopping child labor but not addressing the drivers
to child labor like poverty which is the major cause of child labor. In Lugazi sugar plantations, it
has been reported that many children of school going age are engaged in planting and harvesting
of sugar canes and this is done for longer hours (Okala, 2019). These children given their age
experience psychological effects since they are robed of their happiness and social support as
children. Unfortunately, this practice keeps going on and no studies have been carried out in
Lugazi particularly to study the relationship between child labour, social support and
psychosocial wellbeing. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the relationship between
child labor and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar
plantation.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The main objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between child labour, social
support and psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

1.3.1 Specific objectives

i. To find out the forms of child labor that affect the psychological wellbeing of the
children in Lugazi sugar plantation.
ii. To find out the forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour in
Lugazi sugar plantation.
iii. To find out the effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of
children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

1.4 Hypothesis

There is a significant relationship between child labor, social support and psychological
wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

1.5 Research questions

i. What were the forms of child labor that affect the psychological wellbeing of the children
in Lugazi sugar plantation?

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 ii. What were the forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour in
Lugazi sugar plantation?
iii. What was the effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of
children in Lugazi sugar plantation?

1.6 Scope of the study

1.6.1 Content scope

The study focused on examining the effect of child labor and social support on the psychological
wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation with a view of recommending practices to
eliminate child labour and its effect on psychological wellbeing.

1.6.2 Time scope

The study was carried out for a period of three months that is from March 2022 to May 2022.

1.6.3 Geographical scope

The study was carried out in Lugazi, Buikwe district in the Central Region of Uganda. Buikwe
District is bordered by Kayunga District to the north, Jinja District to the east, Buvuma District
to the southeast, the Republic of Tanzania to the south and Mukono District to the west. Most of
Uganda's sugarcane crop is grown in Lugazi and Kakira, with most of Uganda's domestically
produced sugar from the sugarcane plant.

1.7 Conceptual framework

The conceptual framework is the diagrammatic representation of the relationship between the
dependent and independent variables.

Child labour Social support Psychological

 Unsafe work  Education support. wellbeing
 Unsafe work  Spiritual support
environments  Child protection  Mental wellbeing
 Long work hours  Prompting children’s  Spiritual wellbeing
 High work load safety.  Social wellbeing
and work pace  Promoting holistic  Self-esteem
development

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Figure 1: Researcher, 2022

From the figure above, it can be denoted that child labour manifests itself in various forms such
as unsafe work and unsafe environments, long hours of work and high work load and work pace
among others. But this can be turned around with provision of social support such as education
support, spiritual support, child protection, prompting children’s safety and promoting holistic
development. With good social support, children can be supported and hence promoting their
psychological well-being which can include improved self esteem and mental health.

1.8 Significance of the study

After completion, the study was beneficial to the following category of people:

Child labor victims: The research created awareness on children’s rights, through informing
children their rights specifically, regarding work, health and education, above all, on how and
where they may report abuses committed against them or get psychological support.

Social workers: The study provided social workers with knowledge regarding the impacts of
child labor arising from their emotional experiences at places of work and how they can be
helped.

Law Makers: Significantly, the research established current data and trends on child labor in
Jinja with its impacts, to enable policy makers realize the urgent need to review policies and
strategies against child labor.

Parents: The study educated parents/guardians on the nature of work regarded as acceptable for
children, drawing a bottom line on the worst forms of child labor, consequently, solving the
impacts of child on children’s welfare.

Future researchers: The research acted as a basis of further studies in examining various drivers
of child labor and emotional impacts on children in Lugazi District.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the scholarly literature about child labour, social support and psychological
wellbeing of children. The literature is presented in relation to research objectives as below.

2.1 Forms of child labour experienced by children

Hazardous work; Hazardous work by children, one aspect of the worst forms of child labour,
includes any activity or occupation that, by its nature or type, has or leads to adverse effects on
the child’s safety, health and moral development. More specifically, hazardous work is work in
dangerous or unhealthy conditions that could result in a child being killed, injured and/or made
ill as a consequence of poor safety and health standards and working arrangements. In 2012 it is
estimated that there are a total of 85 million children engaged in hazardous work in the 5-17
years age group and 38 million in hazardous work in the core 5-14 years age group. Hazardous
work accounts for 51 per cent of child labour among 5–17-year-olds and 31 per cent of child
labour among 5–14-year-olds (International labor organization, 2015).

Forced labour; According to the 2012 ILO estimate of forced labour, there were about 5.5
million children aged 17 years and below, representing 26 per cent of the global total of 20.9
million forced labour victims: involved in various forms of forced labour: for sexual exploitation
(960,000 children); forced labour for labour exploitation (3,780,000); and forced labour imposed
by the State (709,000) (IPEC, 2013: 22). While it is not possible to calculate the exact extent of
the overlap, it can be assumed that many of these child victims of forced labour are also
accounted for as being engaged in hazardous work.

Children collecting recyclables; A considerable number of children who are working on the
streets in many cities sort and collect recyclable waste material from garbage bins. Collecting
recyclable waste material is certainly not unique to Turkey (Kamei, 2018) but it has emerged in
the last 20 years as a very difficult form of child labour. The collection of such material
becomes particularly difficult when a given collector visits many garbage bins throughout the

7
day and collects the material in a big bag attached vertically to a metal cart. When the cart is
partly or fully loaded, pulling the cart becomes back-breaking work. The collector has to
navigate through the streets and traffic, in all weather conditions, and the job becomes even more
difficult (Altuntas, 2003).

Children in armed conflict: It is estimated that approximately 300,000 children are being used in
armed conflict around the world at any given time (ILO, 2016). The African and Asian-Pacific
regions account for the vast majority of child soldiers. Most of them are reported to be in the 15-
17 age bracket. No reliable figures are available on the gender distribution of child soldiers, but
boys seem to dominate (Aked, 2021).

Children as beggars on the streets; Kamei (2018) noted that children working on the streets,
particularly as beggars, simit (bread) vendors or shoe-shiners, are well-known for at least three
generations. A more recent activity for children working on the streets is selling paper tissue,
gum or similar handy items (Aked, 2021). There are no reliable estimates of the number of
children living and working on the streets of big cities. Government estimates are markedly low
often because the institutional approach relies on very stringent criteria and non-governmental
estimates are much higher.

Children for hire in the ‘Child Market’; Kamruzzaman, & Hakim, (2018) revealed that If
children are considered part of the farm labour force, perhaps it is not too surprising that there is
a marketplace for child labour. In many cities, young children are hired as labour foregoing their
school and these work as maids and many other works. There is very little documentation in the
literature of what appears to be long-standing practice of parents hiring children to better-off
families in some small towns. Existing information indicates that such child labour markets are
operated from poor and large families in villages were hired by the families in nearby villages
located in towns (Kamruzzaman & Hakim, 2018). There is always a need for cheap labour on the
and children from poor families provide a convenient and cheaper labour force.

Children in prostitution and pornography: About 1.8 million children are affected. It is prevalent
in all major world regions, particularly in Latin America & the Caribbean, the Asian-Pacific
region and developed economies (Okyere, 2022). Patterns are complex and tend to differ
between countries and regions. For instance, whereas in some cases the commercial sexual

8
exploitation of children seems clearly related to tourism, in others it mainly serves a domestic
market. Most affected children are reported to be in the 15-17 age range.

2.2 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour

Social protection can be understood as a set of public actions that address poverty, vulnerability,
and exclusion and provide the means to cope with the major risks that can be encountered during
the life cycle (Carter et al, 2019). It is often, especially when implemented through a rules-based
scheme or schemes, also referred to as “social security.”

Family and community engagement; Oakley, (2018) stated that families and communities can
provide highly effective and coordinated action against child labour, acting as a frontline defence
mechanism by taking concrete action to reduce risks and playing an important role in facilitating
the identification of child labourers and identifying possible solutions. Family members are faced
with difficult choices related to child labour, often knowingly sending their children into
hazardous labour in order to secure income. In some situations, for refugees, this is also done to
limit the risks of legal consequences to undocumented adult family members. Supporting
families, children and other community members to better understand the nature of child labour,
providing information on relevant laws, policies and services, and alternatives to child labour
and supporting communities’ efforts to identify actions to mitigate risks and solutions to address
child labour is essential.

Action and referral of children and their families to appropriate services, such as education,
vocational training, economic recovery / livelihoods, social services, health care (Milner et al,
2016). Define roles and responsibilities when talking to employers and determine possible action
taken against them. In some cases, action may be required to remove work-related hazards that
may affect legally working children through appropriate occupational safety and health (OSH)
measures. In the current refugee context, this may also be used as an immediate, short-term
intervention to mitigate the risks to the wellbeing of child labourers below the minimum age,
while a longer-term solution that involves their removal from work is being sought.

Helping children understand their emotions; The most effective and reliable means to help
children is sparing it a primary as a priority that, children need to share with and taught,
regarding their feelings, how to control them, and probably how such feelings might affect other

9
people around them (Rommer,et al, 2017). In addition, encouraging children to feel comfortable
with their emotions and fostering friendly relations of talking to them about their feelings will
foster positive emotional development.

Setting limits on immoral conduct of children; In every aspect, it so paramount for care givers to
control the actions of children a raising from different emotional aspects, children need to be
taught that, having emotions is okay, as well as expressing such emotions. However, there must
be a limit to the ways every emotion is expressed (Carter et al, 2019). For example, children
must know that, being angry does not mean that, they should become violent or radical. Children
should be aware that, there are other peaceful alternative ways they can employ to have their
needs attended to. While acknowledging children’s emotions, it is therefore very important to set
limits on aggressive, unsafe or inappropriate behaviors that may manifest among children at
different stages of growth.

Quality Education; Rostami, et al, (2017) reveled that the aspect of education for children has
been generally accepted as a relevant approach in combatting child labor, but in critical analysis,
the quality of this education is also questionable to whether or not, the education attained would
transform the lives of children from childhood to adulthood. Quality education for children has
been widely recognized as one of the best ways to prevent, reduce and, in the long-term,
eliminate child labor. In addition to the said above, both the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) and Millennium Development Goals (MDG) presented the notion of quality education as
crucial to fighting poverty (ILO, 2016). Nowadays, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
approaches to education funds these goals, concentrating on significant issues such as
empowerment, equity (particularly for girls and women), quality and social justice.

Establishing child labor monitoring systems; The purpose of child labor monitoring mechanisms
is to guarantee that kids are attending schools, or to other planned activities, or out to play with
their peers and are not going to work or being subjected to other forms of manipulation or
exploitation (Carter et al, 2019). Monitoring of recipients and other at-risk kids in the society
comprises frequently scrutinizing the places where kids may be working and discerning their
other activities, such as going to school or socializing.

Child labor monitoring guarantees a practice that is formal, designed, and corresponding scheme
in the community where numerous individuals can freely and easily “monitor” children’s

10
activities as part of their usual, day-to-day lives and can be used to identify values as a means to
keep track of what children are doing at different times of the day, for example, every school has
a daily record of children’s attendance (Milner, et al, 2016). The purpose of a child labor
monitoring system is usually to connect children to each other, as well as to other security
operatives so that, a detailed community tracking and early warning system can be established or
ef0fectively implemented.

Adopting a holistic approach; This mechanism demands a collective design of approaches and
strategies that maximize the impact and enhances sustainability of the program through,
reduction, prevention, and ultimate elimination of child labor (Rommer,et al, 2017). Therefore,
there must be multifaceted and interrelated approaches giving diverse solutions to the vice of
child labor. In this case, a holistic approach will entail looking at a system, a strategy, or a
project integrated as a whole rather than focusing on personal components in isolation.

In other words, a monitoring project must target several socio-economic issues linked to the
incidence of child labor as much as possible, including access to and the quality of education,
poverty, awareness and understanding, gender and social discrimination and exclusion, cultural
and traditional practices, food security, empowerment, among others.

2.3 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children

Child labourers face higher health risks relative to adults because children often work in
informal, small scale and illegal settings which, by their very nature, are difficult to regulate
(Woodhead, et al, 2016). The substantial number of children worldwide working in domestic
services and the sex industry are left particularly vulnerable to physical and psychological abuse.
Children working in small scale farming and manufacturing are often not given the protection
promised by health and safety regulation. Even when this protection is available, it is likely to be
much less effective for children since the measures are usually designed for adult, and not child,
workers (ILO, 2015).

Working children are more vulnerable than adult workers not only for physiological reasons, but
also because of a combination of psychological and social reasons. The motivation for children
to start working and to retain their job can vary but it is usually to contribute to the financial
support of the family, which is a heavy responsibility at an early age. This consequently places

11
additional burden and stress on child workers. Children are also at greater psychological or social
risk because they lack authority and physical power, because their work is not always valued as a
productive activity, and because they usually have the lowest status of all workers (Boyden et al.,
2012). Furthermore, children react differently from adults when exposed to similar risks
(Forastieri, 2017).

Childhood is the time for emotional, psychological, cognitive and personality development.
Interaction with family members, other children and peers through play, games, sports, of self
(Shah, 2012). Schooling has a great role to play in the process of development (Dorman, 2012).
Children need the time and opportunity to play and to explore, to develop relationships with
family as well as their peers and to learn, all of which are critical to their physical, mental, social
and intellectual development.

Restricted social interaction, long hours of work, heavy responsibilities and lack of social
support have far-reaching negative effects on their emotional and moral development. Regular
employment or work deprives children of the time and opportunity to go through normal
development at the most critical stage of life (Woodhead et al, 2016). Various types of
psychological harm may occur when young children are subjected to work situations where they
are deprived of intellectual and emotional stimuli and where they live in a totally adult
environment. The most damaging form of deprivation can be one that seriously effects the
personality development of the child (Shah, 2002). Children who are exhausted, hungry or
anxious because of work would be at a disadvantage at school as compared with their non-
working counterparts (Dorman, 2008).

In most countries of the world today, where children are working, they do it for more hours per
week than are legal for adults in those countries (ILO, 2010). Long working hours limit a child’s
opportunities for social interaction and education. Work may have a long-term negative impact
on social development, when it leads to no education or poor education and low employment
prospects. These children will always remain in the group of low-wage earners. In
macroeconomic terms, work injurious to the development of children perpetuates poverty, by
degrading the human resources necessary for economic and social development (Forastieri,
2002).

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Even though interference with the process of psychological and social development has been a
longstanding concern about child labour, it is only in recent years that researchers have
attempted to put this hypothesis to an empirical test (Woodhead, 2016). Mounting evidence also
suggests that antecedents of adult mental disorders can be detected in children and adolescents.
The development of policies and programmes for child and adolescent mental health have lagged
due to widespread lack of knowledge about child development and childhood mental disorders,
relatively weak advocacy, lack of training and, in many parts of the world, absent financial and
professional resources for programme development and implementation (Woodhead et al, 2016).

Self-esteem and unknown anger: child labor victims usually feel they are not accepted in the
society and not loved; they also have anger of unknown origin as a result of low self-esteem
(Rommer,et al, 2017).. It should be noted that, these children look at themselves as failures
because they have missed education and probably, even those who were their friends no longer
want to associate with them because they are now school drop outs. Consequently, children
suffer the burden of rejection due isolation and develop jealousy and anger about everyone.

Psychosocial risks go hand in hand with the experience of work-related stress. Work-related
stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are
not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope (Rommer,
et al, 2017). Psychosocial risks, work-related stress, violence, harassment, and bullying (or
mobbing) are now widely recognised major challenges to occupational health and safety
(Rommer,et al, 2017).

Quick, Quick and Horn (1986) noted that work-related stress can cause behavioural, medical,
and psychological problems. Behavioural changes tend to be the earliest and most overt signs of
stress, and include: (1) greater alcohol and drug abuse; (2) increased cigarette smoking; (3)
accident proneness; and (4) violence. Psychological consequences include: (1) family problems;
(2) sleep disturbances; (3) sexual dysfunction; and (4) depression. Medical problems include: (1)
hastening the appearance of disease; and (2) worsening the impact of illness. Reviews of work
stress and employee health conclude that the indirect evidence from occupational studies which
indicate a causal effect of work experiences on physiological and emotional responses, does
indicate a work stress effect (WHO, 2012).

13
2.4 Effects of social support on the psychological wellbeing of children

Positive emotional functioning from social support promotes better mental and physical health
and in the long run, longevity. An individual who enjoys family social support has lower levels
of stress indicators, such as cortisol, and better immune responses. Racial/ethnic minorities
experience a higher rate of stressful life events such as discrimination, abuse, and trauma than
whites and are more sensitive to perceive those high levels of social support might be beneficial
for them (Criss, 2015).

Previous studies have demonstrated that

the parent–
child cohesion and friend
companionship negatively predict
depression and loneliness of LBC but
positively predict their
life satisfaction (Zhao et al., 2013,
2015). In addition, the
teacher–student relationship has a
positive effect on LBC’s
self-esteem and a negative impact on
LBC’s depression (Liu et al.,
2015). Moreover, support from
significant people is also crucial
14
to LBC’s emotional and social
development (Wang and Mao,
2015). Finally, social support is
negatively associated with the
mental health problems of LBC (Ye et
al., 2017)
Previous studies have demonstrated that the parent–child cohesion and friend companionship
negatively predict depression and loneliness of children who are victims of child labour but
positively predict their life satisfaction (Zhao et al., 2013, 2015). In addition, the teacher–student
relationship has a positive effect on children who are victims of child labour’s self-esteem and a
negative impact on children who are victims of child labour’s depression (Liu et al., 2015).
Moreover, support from significant people is also crucial to children who are victims of child
labour’s emotional and social development (Wang and Mao, 2015). Finally, social support is
negatively associated with the mental health problems of LBC (Ye et al., 2017).

15
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the research design, target population, sample size, sampling techniques,
data sources, research instruments, data collection process, data analysis and ethical
consideration.

3.1 Research Design

This study employed a descriptive survey design. The reason for adopting this design was
because it is suitable to realize the research objectives. It is considered that since the study relies
on qualitative data, where interviews and focus group discussion ae the main sources of data
collection, descriptive survey is appropriate for the study.

Furthermore, since the study was an empirical enquiry that investigates a contemporary
phenomenon within its real-life context, it was important to adopt an approach that gives the
researcher the opportunity to elicit enough data/information from respondents to address the
research objectives satisfactorily.

Accordingly, the study utilized qualitative research approach. The reason for adopting this
approach was because it provides the researcher with the opportunity to carry out in-depth study,
through fieldwork, to gain insight and elicit detailed information/data from the respondents.

3.2 Study Population

The study population implied the total number of the population from which the researcher
draws his/ her sample size. In this study, the study population was 114,163 which is the total
population of Jinja district according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS, 2014). The
justification to this population is to the effect that, everyone in society is a beneficiary to child
labor either directly or indirectly, and yet they all have an obligation to protect children. In
addition, a biased selection of children alone to be respondents is thought to unreliability given
that, in most cases children give answers based on their emotions, interests rather reason.

16
17
3.3 Sample size

Given that the study employed a qualitative approach in data collection, the researcher drew its
sample size purposively. According to (Morse, 1994) suggested approximately 30-50
participants for a qualitative study. Thus, the sample size for the study was 50 respondents. The
respondents were selected based on their knowledge and experience of the practice of child labor
in Lugazi sugar plantations, child development and children’s rights. The respondents comprised
of 10 parents/ guardians, 5 police officers, 6 commercial farm owners, 15 children, 6 social
workers, 3 psychologist and 5 teachers.

Table 3:1 Represents the categorization of respondents and sampling techniques

Category of Respondent Sample Size Sampling Method

Parents 10 Purposive Sampling
Police Officers 5 Purposive Sampling
Child Employers 6 Purposive Sampling
Children aged 15- 17 years 50 Simple Random Sampling
Social workers 6 Simple Random Sampling
Psychologist 3 Purposive Sampling
Teachers 5 Simple Radom Sampling
Total 85

3.4 Sampling techniques

This segment entailed the discussion of the process and criteria in which different key informants
were selected from a large population of the study to participate as key informants in addressing
the objectives of the research as discussed below:

3.4.1 Purposive sampling

This was a non–probability sample that was selected based on the respondents’ characteristics,
with regards to their fields of expertise, accessibility and experience, in dealing with children’s
rights and emotional aspects, to address the objectives of the study. Therefore, selection of key
informants included: parents, police officers dealing in children affairs, and psychologists.

18
Selection of the above respondents was done on a judgmental, and selective basis, giving limited
chances for the entire population of the study to participate.

3.4.2 Simple random sampling

This was a subset of key informants selected from a large population of social workers, teachers
and children aged 15-17 years (children of this age are believed to have more rational responses
to questions as compared to those below 15 years). Each individual respondent was chosen
randomly and entirely based on luck. In this case, the respondents in the population of the study
had the same probability/ chances of being selected to participate, the reason for employing
simple random sampling is to the effect that, there are many social workers, teachers and child
labour victims aged 15-17 years, who are also accessible and reliable to give information
addressing the objectives of the study.

3.5 Data sources

The study employed both primary and secondary sources of data.

3.5.1 Primary sources of data

Primary data dealt with the new evidence or information gathered in the field during the course
of research. It included data gathered from respondents through interviews and group discussion.

3.5.2 Secondary Data

Secondary data means data that is already available. It also refers to the data which has already
been collected and analysed by someone else. This study employed such data (secondary data)
that is either published or not. Published data was derived from: various publications of the
Ugandan government; various publications of foreign governments or of international bodies and
their subsidiary organisations; legal journals; books, magazines and newspapers; reports and
publications of various associations connected with juvenile justice; reports prepared by research
scholars, universities, etc. in different fields; and public records and statistics, historical
documents, and other sources of published information. The sources of unpublished data were be
considered and included; information found in diaries, letters, unpublished biographies and
autobiographies and also may be available with scholars and research workers, international
associations, and other public/ private individuals and organisations.

19
3.6 Data collection methods/ instruments

The study employed two methods of data collection: Focus Group Discussion and Interview
Guide Questions.

3.6.1 Focus Group Discussion

The study used Focus Group Discussion to elicit information from some of the respondents,
specifically social workers, child labour victims between the ages of 15- 17 years and parents,
who sat in groups of five people. This category of respondents was randomly selected and put in
groups for discussion. In addition, respondent sat in groups of 5 members per discussion. This
method was preferred for this category of respondents because it was convenient for to collecting
data faster from the available respondents.

3.6.2 Interview

Face to face, interviews were conducted to elicit information from police officers, child
employers, teachers and psychologists. The study employed open-ended interview, where
questions were posed to the respondents, who then explained and discussed their answers. The
answers were recorded/taped and later reduced into writing without changing the context of the
respondents. This instrument was preferred because it allowed participants to express in details
their views, opinion and beliefs towards ideas or issues under investigation.

3.6.3 Observation

The research employed observational techniques in assessing emotions aspects among child
labour victims. The observations focused on children’s reactions at work, school, interpersonal
relations with peers, and community as well as, their perception of the future. Critical assessment
to whether or not, children are emotionally stressed were determined by experts who are
psychologists.

20
3.7 Measurement scales for key variables

3.7.1 Social support

Social Support Network Scale (SSNS) by López-Peñaloza: this is a self-report instrument in

which each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5
(strongly agree). The items of the original scale are distributed in 5 factors: support from
friends, family support, lack of support, religious support and support from neighbors.

3.7.2 Child labour

SIMPOC survey

This survey focused on children’s activities (economic and non-economic), income and earnings,
employment conditions, and occupational health and safety of children aged between five and
seventeen years. The analysis was presented by sex; province, urban and rural areas. The
division of child labour into economic versus noneconomic activities was based on the ILO
definitions. Economic activities are further categorized into two broad areas namely

Activities for Pay, Profit and/or Family Gain, included the child him or herself running any kind
of business, big or small; unpaid help in a family business; helping with farming activities on the
family plot, food garden, cattle post or kraal; catching or gathering any fish, prawns, shellfish,
wild animals or any other food, for sale or family consumption; doing any work for a wage,
salary or any payment in kind; and begging for money or food in public.

Other Economic Activities, included fetching wood and/or water; and carrying out unpaid
domestic work for people in households which do not contain any of the child's parents, or
grandparents or spouse.

For non labour market child labourers two conditions were introduced, namely: Housekeeping
and Family Care Activities (household chores), where either a parent or grandparent or guardian
or more than one of these relatives is precent in the household.

School Maintenance, Cleaning or School Activities, for example, cleaning toilets, maintaining
the school grounds.

21
3.7.3 Psychological wellbeing

The study used Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale of measurement for is a
self-report questionnaire that consists of two 10-item scales to measure both positive and
negative affect. Each item was rated on a 5-point scale of 1 (Never) to 5 (Always).

Table 3.2: Table showing measurement scales for key variables

Key variables Measurement scale Options/level

Child labour Using SIMPOC instrument by ILO 1- Yes

1) Children’s activities (economic and 2- No
non-economic),
2) Income and earnings,
3) Employment conditions,
4) Occupational health and safety of
children
Social support Using Social Support Network Scale 1 = strongly agree, 2 =
(SSNS) agree, 3 = neither agree
nor disagree, 4 = disagree,
1) Support from friends,
5 = strongly disagree
2) Family support,
3) Lack of support,
4) Religious support
5) Support from neighbors.
Psychological Positive and Negative Affect Schedule 1- Never
wellbeing (PANAS) 5- Always
Happy, Joyful, Cheerful, Lively, Proud
Sad, scared, miserable, afraid, mad.

22
3.8 Data collection procedures

The researcher selected her respondents, and schedule appointment with them on a convenient
date and time to meet with each of the respondents. In addition, some of the appointments were
scheduled via telephone to reduce travel cost, while the actual interviews were conducted face to
face between the researcher and the respondents. During the interview, the respondents were
properly briefed about the study and the reason why it was being carried out. The respondents
were encouraged to answer honestly and to the best of their knowledge and ability, the questions
contained in the interview guide questions.

3.9 Data analysis

The essence of data processing and analysis was to verify the value of the information gathered
during aresearch. The process involved assessment of the accuracy and uniformity of data
generated in the field. In addition, it enabled the researcher to delete and eliminate possible
errors that may have potentially to manipulate the results of the study. Thus, the process involved
editing of the answers elicited from the respondents. Given the above, the interview transcript
was meticulously edited and represented in a way that captures the views of the respondents in
their own words. The answers were recorded/ taped and later reduced into writing without
changing the context of the respondents.

3.10 Ethical considerations

First, the researcher acquired an introductory letter from Kyambogo University.

Furthermore, the identity (names) of the respondents was kept anonymous through representing
them in other names for purposes of this study, and in the interest of their security.

In addition, information collected from the respondents was treated with utmost confidentiality.

The researcher also acted honestly, fairly and respectful to all respondents that participated in the
study.

In addition, accurate acknowledgement of all authors and sources of information used in this
study were properly cited and referenced.

23
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the analysis of data gathered and interpreted thereof. It as well gives
the demographic characteristics of the respondents and the variables used in the study.

4.1 Response rate

The sample size of the study was 85 respondents, of whom 24, data was collected by
interview guided questions, by way of purposive sampling, and the remaining 61
respondents selected randomly. The turn up of the respondents was 100% which implied
that, I was in good position to carryout data analysis, because the targeted sample size had
been meet to full capacity.

4.2 Demographic characteristics of respondents

This segment was developed to establish the demographic characteristics of respondents

by way of pausing questions at the beginning of the interviews and focused group
discussions. In the interest of the study, the questions meant to establish the demographic
characteristics of respondents were limited to, age, education level, gender, marital status and
occupation.

4.2.1 Sex of respondents

The sex of respondents was assessed and results presented in the table below.

Table 1: Sex of Respondents

Sex Frequency Percentage

Female 47 55.3

Male 38 44.7

Total 85 100

24
Source: Primary data, 2022

Table of results 1 above shows that 47(55.3%) of the respondents were females while 38(44.7%)
of the respondents were males. This implies that majority of the females in Lugazi sugar
plantation were interviewed and questioned.

4.2.2 Age bracket of the respondents

The study assessed the age bracket of the respondents and the results were as tabulated below.

Table 2: Age bracket of the respondents

Age bracket Frequency Percentage (%)

10 – 12 years 8 9.4

13 – 15 years 25 29.4

16 – 17 years 17 20

18 – 25 years 11 12.9

26 – 35 years 14 16.5

Above 35 years 10 11.8

Total 85 100

Source: Primary data, 2022

From the table above, 8(9.4%) of the respondents were aged 10-12 years, 25(29.4 %) of the
respondents were aged 13-15 years, 17(20%) of the respondents were aged 16-17 years,
11(12.9%) of the respondents were aged between 18-25 years, 14(16.5%) were aged 26-35 years
and 10(11.8%) of the respondents were above 35 years. The results show that majority of the
respondents were aged between 13-15 years implying that children in this age bracket were so
prone to child labour in Lugazi sugar plantation.

25
4.2.4 Education level of the respondents

The study assessed the education level of the respondents and the results were as tabulated
below.

Table 4: Education level of the respondents

Education Level Frequency Percentage

Primary 17 20
Secondary 40 47.1
Tertiary institution 28 32.9
Total 85 100
Source: Primary data, 2022

Table of results 4 above shows that 17(20%) of the respondents were primary students,
40(47.1%) were secondary students while 28(32.9%) had attained higher education from tertiary
institutions. This implicated that most of the people in Lugazi sugar plantation are well educated
and therefore mature to understand child labour and its side effects.

4.2.5 Religion of the respondents

Table 5: Religion of the respondents

Religion Frequency Percentage

Catholic 12 14.1
Protestant/Anglican 24 28.2
Pentecostal/Born again 20 23.5
SDA 6 7.1
Muslim 19 22.4
No religion 4 4.7
Total 85 100
Source: Primary data 2022

Table of results 5 above shows that 12(14.1%) of the respondents were Catholics, 24(28.2%)
were Anglicans, 20(23.5%) were Born agains, 6(7.1%) of the respondents were SDAs,

26
19(22.4%) were Muslims and 4(4.7%) of the respondents had no religion. These results show
that the study assessed many protestants/Anglicans since the majority of the respondents were
found to be Anglicans.

4.2.6 Marital status of the respondents

The study assessed the different marital status of people in Lugazi sugar plantation and the
responses were as follows.

Table 6: Marital status of the respondents

Marital status Frequency Percentage

Single 52 61.2

Married 33 38.8

Total 85 100
Source: primary data 2022

The study findings revealed that 52(61.2%) of the respondents were still single and 33(38.8%) of
the respondents were married. This implicated that most of the respondents were still single since
majority of them were children who were not yet ready to establish families.

4.3 Participants’ views about child labour

The study found out a lot of information about child labour from the parents or guardians, policy
implementors and the children and findings were as shown below:

I asked majority of the respondents what the term child labour means and the study established
that there varied understanding among the respondents with respect to their knowledge levels
about child labour. The meaning of child labour is understood differently by the respondents that
participated in this study. In this regard, some respondents quoted as below:

“Child labour means involving anyone who is conducting hard and labour intensive
activities like harvesting and spraying in sugar cane production.”

27
 “I personally have a sugarcane plantation and always employ people who are above 18
years of age. It (child labour) means involving children who are under age (below 18
years) in doing very heavy work.” A respondent in Lugazi sugar plantation.

However, some respondents define child labour differently. Some believe that, as long as a child
goes to school, even if he or she is given overload work in the evening, or on weekends and
during school holidays, for them, that is not child labour. One respondent had this to say;

“We use mainly local people, we use people from the lower teen to adults of up to 60
year. By lower teen I mean children aged 12 to 13 years. We have a resolution. We don’t
use children during school time. We also tell our people not to use children during
school time. So we use children when they come back home after school, during
weekends (Saturday or Sunday) and school holidays. Being part of the traditional
African society, children have to work, particularly those aged 8 – 11 years.

Study findings revealed that children are actively involved in child labour in a number of stages
of the sugarcane production and supply chain right from the point of planting to the supply stage.
In the production stage, child labour occurs in planting sugarcane, weeding, cutting and loading
while in transportation of sugarcane, trucks are used hence children are more involved in
carrying sugarcane from the farm to the truck or main road especially in the very wet seasons
when trucks cannot enter the sugarcane farms.

“Child labour here is most prevalent in sugarcane planting and cutting. This is because
the parents of these children have rented out most of the land to sugarcane growers
hence these children have no fields to farm. They are only left with an option of working
in sugarcane farms to get money for survival.” A social worker (L.C I) said

When I asked a policy implementor if he thinks that the people who employ these children are
aware of child labour, he had this to say:
“Ignorance is a major threat,… we should say some of the community members are not
aware that child labour is a crime. And that it is against the law, those who employ them,
the children and the parents themselves are not aware.”

28
The study therefore established that either because of a mixed understanding of the meaning of
child labour or due to the benefits that are gained by those who exploit children, very few cases
of child labour are reported to the police or even brought to the attention of child focused non-
governmental organizations working in the area.
“The most common cases reported here is child torture…….there is also child neglect,
men abandoning their homes. Child labour here is a key form of child abuse. But it is
rarely reported. Children are abused in sugarcane production and the parents decide to
keep quiet about it.”

“When you receive such a case and you want to investigate, the politicians come in. Most
of the politicians here are sugarcane growers.” Police officer said.

“The perpetrators of child labour conceal information, while parents who are expected to
report the cases are among the ‘beneficiaries’. The challenge is about reporting and since
the community is not very supportive, the law enforcers encounter challenges with making
arrests of the culprits. It is very hard to apprehend those children. You cannot be
everywhere. In most cases, there is no money to make instant action. A social worker
stated.

29
4.4 Forms of child labour experienced by children

The study assessed the different forms of abuse experienced by children in Lugazi sugar
plantation and the findings are as follows:

Table 7: Showing the responses of the parents/guardians and policy implementors on the
forms of child labour in Lugazi sugar plantation n=35

Forms of child labour SA A N D SD

Planting sugarcane Freq 18 16 0 1 0
% 51.4 45.7 0 2.9 0
Weeding sugarcane Freq 15 17 1 2 0
% 42.9 48.5 2.9 5.7 0
Cutting and loading of sugar canes Freq 14 20 0 0 1
% 40 57.1 0 0 2.9
Carrying of sugarcanes to tracks Freq 14 13 3 4 1
% 40 37.1 8.6 11.4 2.9
Vending sugar canes for a living Freq 9 14 0 5 7
% 25.7 40 0 14.3 20
Table 7 above shows that 18(51.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that planting sugarcane
was a form of child labour, 16(45.7%) of the respondents agreed and 1(2.9%) disagreed. This
also implies that sugarcane planting was an immense form of child labour at Lugazi sugar
plantation since majority of the respondents strongly agreed.

The table of results above shows that 15(42.9%) of the respondents strongly agreed that weeding
sugarcane was a form of child labour, 17(48.5%) of the respondents agreed, 1(2.9%) of the
respondents were not sure and 2(5.7%) disagreed. This is an implication that children were
subjected to weeding of sugarcane a form of child labour.

From the table, 14(40%) of the respondents strongly agreed that cutting and loading of
sugarcanes were forms of child labour in Lugazi sugar plantation, 20(57.1%) of the respondents
agreed and 1(2.9%) of the respondents strongly disagreed. Since majority of the respondents
agreed, this implies that children were involved in cutting and loading of sugarcanes in Lugazi
sugar plantation.

30
The table of results above shows that 14(40%) of the respondents strongly agreed that carrying
of sugarcanes to tracks was a form of child labour, 13(37.1%) of the respondents agreed, 3(8.6%)
of the respondents were not sure, 4(11.4%) disagreed and 1(2.9%) of the respondents strongly
disagreed. This is an implication that children were subjected to carrying of sugarcane to tracks.

The table also reveals that 9(25.7%) of the respondents strongly agreed that vending of
sugarcanes for a living was a form of child labour, 14(40%) of the respondents agreed, 5(14.3%)
of the respondents disagreed and 7(20%) strongly disagreed. Majority of the respondents agreed
that vending of sugarcanes to earn a living was one of the forms of child labour.

The study further investigated on other forms of child labour still in Lugazi sugar factors besides
sugarcane production and supply, the findings of the study are discussed below:

Table 8: showing responses of children on forms of child labour they experience in Lugazi
sugar plantation n=50

Forms of child labour SA A N D SD

Run or do any kind of business, big or small, for Freq 25 15 0 8 2
himself/herself or with one or more partners % 50 30 0 16 4
Do any work for a wage, salary, commission or any Freq 18 20 1 5 6
payment in kind % 36 40 2 10 12
Do any work as a domestic worker for a wage, salary Freq 15 10 3 12 10
or any payment in kind % 30 20 6 24 20
Help unpaid in a household business of any kind Freq 10 20 0 15 5
% 20 40 0 30 10
Do any work on his/her own or the household’s plot, Freq 22 18 0 10 0
farm, food garden, or help in growing farm produce %
or in looking after animals for the household 44 36 0 20 0
Do any construction or major repair work on his/her Freq 15 15 5 6 9
own home, plot, or business or those of the %
household 30 30 10 12 18
Catch any fish, prawns, shells, wild animals or other Freq 10 13 2 18 7
food for sale or household food % 20 26 4 36 14

31
 Fetch water or collect firewood for household use? Freq 25 20 0 5 0
% 50 40 0 10 0
Produce any other good for this household use Freq 28 16 0 3 3
% 56 32 0 6 6

Table 8 above shows that 25(50%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they could run or do
any kind of business, big or small, for themselves or with one or more partners, 15(30%) of the
respondents agreed, 8(16%) of the respondents disagreed and 2(4%) of the respondents strongly
disagreed.

Table above shows that 18(36%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they could do any work
for a wage, salary, commission or any payment in kind, 20(40%) of the respondents agreed,
1(2%) of the respondents were not sure, 5(10%) disagreed and 6(12%) of the respondents
strongly disagreed. This implies that the children would work for wages, commission or any
other form of payment since majority of the respondents agreed.

Table 8 above shows that 10(20%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they could help
unpaid in a household business of any kind, 20(40%) of the respondents agreed, 15(30%) of the
respondents disagreed and 5(10%) of the respondents strongly disagreed.

Table above shows that 22(44%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they did any work on
their own or the household’s plot, farm, food garden, or helped in growing farm produce or in
looking after animals for the household, 18(36%) of the respondents agreed and 10(20%) of the
respondents disagreed.

The table also shows that 25(50%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they fetched water or
collected firewood for household use, 20(40%) of the respondents agreed and 5(10%) of the
respondents disagreed. This implies that the children were entitled to fetching water and
collecting firewood since majority of the respondents agreed.

From the table above, 28(56%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they could produce any
other goods for this household use, 16(32%) of the respondents agreed, 3(6%) disagreed and
3(6%) of the respondents strongly disagreed. This implies that the children would look for ways
of producing other goods for household uses for example vending sugarcane on the streets of

32
Lugazi so as to obtain money to buy other essential items in the households since majority of the
respondents agreed.

Table above also shows that 10(20%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they would catch
any fish, prawns, shells, wild animals or other food for sale or household food, 13(26%) of the
respondents agreed, 2(4%) of the respondents were not sure, 18(36%) disagreed and 7(14%) of
the respondents strongly disagreed. This implies that the children would catch fish, prawns,
shells, wild animals or other food for sale and household food as most of them were coming from
poor families since majority of the respondents agreed.

The study further assessed the respondents and found out that a certain child had this to stay:

“I want to stay in school but I also have to work to stay there and support my family.”
Amina one of the children in Lugazi sugar plantation speaks

“I also find it hard to even concentrate in class and yet I have to cut sugarcane to
support my aunt who is very weak with basic needs.” A respondent speaks while
displaying his machete.

4.5 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour

The study investigated on the various kinds of social support given to children exposed to
children and the findings of the study expressed below:

33
Table 9: Shows responses from parents/guardians about the forms of social support given
to children exposed to child labour n=35

Forms of social support SA A N D SD

Emotional support Freq 25 10 0 0 0
% 71.4 28.6 0 0 0
Financial support Freq 26 9 0 0 0
% 74.3 25.7 0 0 0
Esteem support Freq 14 10 2 7 2
% 40 28.6 5.7 20 5.7
Companion support Freq 13 11 1 6 4
% 37.1 31.4 2.9 17.1 11.4
Physical support Freq 16 10 0 4 5
% 45.7 28.6 0 11.4 14.3

Results from the table above reveal that 26(74.3%) of the respondents strongly agreed that
financial support was given to children after being exposed to child labour and 9(25.7%) agreed.
This implies that the children received financial support from for example from sponsors,
government, NGOs as revealed by the findings since majority of the respondents strongly
agreed.

The table also shows that 25(71.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that emotional support
was given to children after being exposed to child labour and 10(25.7%) of the respondents
agreed. This implies that emotional support was given to victims of child labour.

The table also shows that 14(40%) of the respondents strongly agreed that esteem support is
given to children after being exposed to child labour and 10(28.6%) of the respondents agreed,
2(5.7%) were not sure, 7(20%) disagreed and 2(5.7%) of the respondents strongly disagreed.
This also implies that esteem support was provided to the children.

The table also shows that 13(37.1%) of the respondents strongly agreed that companion support
is given to children after being exposed to child labour and 11(31.4%) of the respondents agreed,
1(2.9%) were not sure, 6(17.1%) disagreed and 4(11.4%) of the respondents strongly disagreed.

34
This also implies that companion support was provided to the children since majority of the
respondents strongly agreed.

The table reveals that 16(45.7%) of the respondents strongly agreed that physical support is
given to children after being exposed to child labour and 10(28.6%) of the respondents agreed,
4(11.4%) disagreed and 5(14.3%) of the respondents strongly disagreed. This also implies that
physical support was provided to the children exposed to child labour.

I asked some of the respondents on how social support is given to the child labour victims and
they got this to say:

A respondent who is a social worker stated that, “we usually organize guidance and
counselling services to comfort and advice children who are victims of child labour,
motivating them to get back to school and take on their academics rather than staying on
the plantation.”

A teacher also said that, “they have always given school bursaries to students who are
not able to raise school fees with an aim of keeping them at school instead of resorting to
plantations to get exposed to child labour. He further stated that they organize
outreaches and clubs that help students to stay focused and socially coordinate with
others academically and spiritually.”

The study further investigated on various forms of social support the children victimized with
child labour obtained and the findings presented below:

35
Table 10: showing responses of children on forms of social support they experience in
Lugazi sugar plantation n=50

Forms of social support SA A N D SD

There is a special person who is around when I Freq 30 20 0 0 0
needed support % 60 40 0 0 0
There is a special person with whom I shared joys Freq 20 19 2 9 0
and sorrows % 40 38 4 18 0
My family really helped me while I experienced Freq 15 16 3 8 8
child labor % 30 32 6 16 16
I got the emotional help and support I need from my Freq 19 20 0 11 0
family % 38 40 0 22 0
I have a special person who is a real source of Freq 15 21 2 3 9
comfort to me % 30 42 4 6 18
My friends really comfort me during my experience Freq 10 9 3 20 8
of child labor % 20 18 6 40 16
I counted on my friends when things went wrong Freq 8 17 0 16 9
during child labor experience % 16 34 0 32 18
I talked about my problems with my family during Freq 18 23 4 5 0
child labor experience % 36 46 8 10 0
I have friends with whom I shared my joys and Freq 29 16 1 4 0
sorrows during child labor experience % 58 32 2 8 0
There is a special person in my life who cared about Freq 16 13 0 15 6
my feelings experiencing child labor % 32 26 0 30 12
My family was willing to help me make good Freq 20 21 0 8 1
decisions during child labor % 40 42 0 16 2
I talked about my problems with my friends during Freq 15 17 3 4 11
child labor % 30 34 6 8 22

From table 10 above, 30(60%) of the respondents strongly agreed that there is a special person
around when they needed support and 20(40%) of the respondents agreed. This implies that

36
majority of the children had special people they would interact and share with issues of child
labour and other problems who would at the end support them accordingly.

Furthermore, the results reveal that these special people would care about the children’s feelings
whenever they experienced child labour by letting them off sorrows, fears and depressions.

The table above shows that 19(38%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they got emotional
help and support needed from their families, 20(40%) of the respondents agreed and 11(22%) of
the respondents disagreed. This implies that families provided emotional help to the children
who were victims of child labour in Lugazi sugar plantation since majority of the respondents
agreed.

The table further reveals that 29(58%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they had friends
with whom they shared their joys and sorrows during child labour experience, 16(32%) of the
respondents agreed, 1(2%) of the respondents were not sure and 4(8%) of the respondents
disagreed. This implies that their friends would comfort them, guide and advise them on what to
do most especially in times of child labour.

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4.6 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children

The study found out the effects of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing
of children

Table 11: showing effect of child labour on the psychological well being of children in
Lugazi sugar plantation
n=50

Effect on the psychological wellbeing SA A N D SD

I worry about child labour all the time Freq 28 20 0 2 0
% 56 40 0 4 0
I give too much time or thought to child labor Freq 19 11 1 9 10
% 38 22 2 18 20
I spend a lot of time thinking about child labor Freq 19 10 1 10 10
% 38 20 2 20 20
I feel afraid when I think about child labor Freq 23 18 0 8 1
% 46 36 0 16 2
I feel irritable when I think about child labor Freq 14 19 3 6 8
% 28 38 6 12 16
I feel sad when I think about child labor Freq 17 18 0 9 6
% 34 36 0 18 12
I feel preoccupied when I think about child labor Freq 13 19 4 8 6
% 26 38 8 16 12
I feel guilty when I think about child labor Freq 16 14 2 13 5
% 32 28 4 26 10
I get stressed when I think about child labor Freq 20 18 2 4 6
% 40 36 4 8 12

From the table above, 28(56%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they were worried all the
time about child labour, 20(40%) of the respondents agreed and 2(4%) of the respondents

38
disagreed. This implies that child labour caused a lot of worries to the children in Lugazi sugar
plantation since majority of the respondents strongly agreed.

Table above shows that 23(46%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they could feel afraid
whenever they thought about child labour, 18(36%) of the respondents agreed, 8(16%) of the
respondents disagreed and 1(2%) strongly disagreed. This implies that the children in Lugazi
sugar plantation were afraid of child labour since majority of the respondents strongly agreed.

Table above shows that 20(40%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they got stressed
whenever they thought about child labour, 18(36%) of the respondents agreed, 2(4%) pf the
respondents were not sure, 4(8%) of the respondents disagreed and 6(12%) strongly disagreed.
This implies that the children in Lugazi sugar plantation were stressed about child labour since
majority of the respondents strongly agreed.

The table further reveals that 19(38%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they give too
much time or thought to child labour, 11(22%) of the respondents agreed, 1(2%) pf the
respondents were not sure, 9(18%) of the respondents disagreed and 10(20%) strongly disagreed.
This implies that the children in Lugazi sugar plantation spent most of their time thinking about
child labour since majority of the respondents strongly agreed.

The table also shows that 17(34%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they felt sad whenever
they thought about child labour, 18(36%) of the respondents agreed, 9(18%) of the respondents
disagreed and 6(12%) strongly disagreed. An implication that the children were not happy with
child labour practices since majority agreed.

The table further reveals that the children at Lugazi sugar plantation felt guilty and preoccupied
whenever they thought about child labour since majority of the respondents agreed.

The table also reveals that 14(28%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they felt irritable
whenever they thought about child labour, 19(38%) of the respondents agreed, 3(6%) pf the
respondents were not sure, 6(12%) of the respondents disagreed and 8(16%) strongly disagreed.

Further investigations on the effects of child labour and social support on the psychological well-
being found out that:

39
Depression, hopelessness, shame, guilt, loss of confidence and anxiety are some of the horrible
emotional effects of child labour, leading to a high risk of mental illness and antisocial
behaviour.

These pessimistic indications influence their senses and put them in a cycle of self-blame.
Psychological abuse tremendously affects self-concept, personal goals, and relationships with
others and seriously damages emotional well-being. Children are some of the most vulnerable
members of society and those involved in child labour face significantly increased vulnerability,
given their situation. Children working in difficult and hazardous conditions, suffer higher levels
of illness and injury. They are more at risk than adults to workplace hazards because of their age
and level of development. As a consequence of hazardous work, a number of serious diseases
appear only in adulthood and are often more devastating and are more likely to cause permanent
harm. Another respondent asserted that:
“I feel on a lot of pain in the chest and my back which makes it hard for my breath.” This
has made me to hate everything about this work but because I have to provide for my
family and siblings, I endure with all the pain and still work. I also fail to get treatment
since I don’t have enough money.

A psychologist on being asked about the effects of child labour on the psychological well being
of children stated that:

“Children involved in hazardous work may work at night, over long hours, be exposed to
physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, and have to work in dangerous situations, such
as underground, underwater, at dangerous heights, heat, cold or in isolated and confined
spaces. Some children have to operate unsafe machinery, equipment, and tools, or be
required to lift heavy loads and be exposed to hazardous substances, agents, or
processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations that can cause serious damage
to their health.”

“Also children who are in risky job fields have no opportunity to build their natural
psycho-social health. Long working hours breed their feeling of frustration and
inadequacy. Their involvement in risky work resists eventually in building their
emotional cognitive skills and they become withdrawn, introvert and uncommunicative.”

40
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 introduction

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendation of the study aimed at
investigating the relationship between child labour, social support and psychological wellbeing
of children in Lugazi sugar plantation. The findings of the study were presented and analysed in
chapter four. This chapter therefore presents the discussion, conclusion and recommendations.

5.1 Summary of findings

The study was about investigating the relationship between child labour, social support and
psychological wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation based on the following
objectives.

5.1.1 The forms of child labour experienced by children

The study found out the forms of child labour experienced by children in Lugazi sugar plantation
and these include: Planting of sugar cane, weeding of sugar canes, cutting and loading of sugar
canes, carrying of sugarcanes to tracks and vending sugar canes for a living.

The study further revealed that doing any work for a wage, salary, commission or any other form
of payment, helping unpaid in a household business of any kind, doing any construction or major
repair work, fetching water or collecting firewood, production of any other goods for household,
catching fish, prawns, shells, wild animals or other food for sale are other forms of child labour
experienced by children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

5.1.2 The forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour

The study investigated on the forms of social support given to children exposed to child labour
and found out that: emotional support, financial support, esteem support, companion support and

41
physical support were given to the children who were exposed to child labour. However, the
study revealed that financial and emotional support were the most forms of social support that
helped the victims of child labour.

5.1.3 The effect of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of

children

The study assessed the effects of child labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing
of children and found out that child labour leads to depression, stress, hopelessness, shame, guilt,
loss of confidence and anxiety leading to a high risk of mental illness and antisocial behaviour.

5.2 Conclusion

According to the results revealed by the respondents, the study concludes that the forms of child
labour in Lugazi sugar plantation are planting, weeding, cutting, loading and vending of
sugarcane, domestic work, need for production of other goods for household among others. The
study also discovered that social support is given to the victims of child labour which include
mainly emotional support and financial support. The study also found out the effects of child
labour and social support on the psychological wellbeing of children and indicated that
depression, stress, fear, guilt, hopelessness, shame, loss of confidence among others are some of
the psychological effects of child labour on children in Lugazi sugar plantation.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the research gives the following recommendations;

Conducting National level study on child labour in sugarcane growing. There is dire need to
conduct research to determine the magnitude and dimension of child labour in sugar growing
communities in Uganda. This will help inform and guide effective policy action against child
labour in this sub sector.

Introducing apprenticeship programs of work in sugarcane growing. The government through the
Ministry of Education and Sports, should introduce apprenticeship programs of work in the
sugarcane production and supply chain that can be integrated in or along the education system so
that children aged 15 to 17 years can study and at the same time gain skills of work in the

42
sugarcane farms. Children who are allowed to work in this kind of arrangement can be able to
work alongside their parents. During this time, parents should be sensitised about child rights.

Improving access to free government aided vocational skills training. The MoES needs to
streamline education policies to ensure child protection from hard labour agricultural activities.
In a similar way, children in sugar growing communities who are unable to join UPE or USE
need to be provided with free government aided vocational skills training. These are more
practical and interesting especially when children are involved and well guided in the selection
of trade skills of their interest. This can keep these children away from child labour.

Withdrawing children from child labour. Children working in sugarcane farms should be
withdrawn and rehabilitated by the line Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in
partnership with child focused NGOs operating in Lugazi area or surrounding areas like Buikwe
district. At the rehabilitation centres, children should be provided with psycho social support
services, and counseling. This is expected to gradually address the community termed ‘bad
habits concerns’ like theft, alcohol problem drinking, drug abuse, watching pornographic
pictures and movies. Since the children affected are still young, they can progressively
experience positive behavioural change.

Strengthening child labour monitoring and prevention mechanisms. Continuous monitoring of

school attendance is necessary to ensure school retention and minimizing drop out. The District
Education department and child focused organisations working in the area need to motivate
teachers to make an extra effort to monitor the behaviour of children at school. A motivation
approach that involves honouring exemplary teachers through annual awards package being
recognized for example as child rights advocates, stop child labour champions or ambassadors,
can be of some help in motivation teachers to monitor child labour. If a child is seen struggling
and always tired, investigations should be carried out to ascertain that a child is not involved in
child labour, as well as addressing the special school needs of the girl child. In addition, child
focused NGOs working in the area also have established child protection committees that can
jointly work with local councils and the child and family protection unit of Uganda Police to
monitor and stop child labour.

Providing psychosocial support care and promoting youth friendly services. As established by
the study, many children were attracted to join child labour in sugarcane growing through peer

43
influence. Children in the adolescent stage need adequate guidance through counselling and
psycho social support. Child focused NGOs working in this area in partnership with the village
health teams and community development department need to either activate existing or establish
centres that provide youth friendly services. This is where the youth can come together to learn
and share life skills and experiences as well as accessing youth friendly reproductive healthcare
services.

Strengthen capacity for village level law enforcement agents. Community development officers
and community-based organisations working in the area need to strengthen the capacity of
village local council officers, teachers and community policing agents from the child and family
protection unit of Uganda Police by conducting refresher training on their mandate, role among
others, with respect to child rights protection. This will make them more effective key ground
level enforcing agents for stopping child labour.

5.4 Areas of further research

With regards to the discoveries of this study, I am pleased to suggest that, further research
should be carried out to ascertain the status of wellbeing of children in Lugazi sugar plantation
with critical focus on diverse drivers to child labour.

 Child labour and academic performance of children in Lugazi

 Child labour and socioeconomic status of households in Lugazi sugar plantation
 Parental influence on child labour
 Child labour and children rights in Lugazi sugar plantation.

44
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