This post brought to you by IKEA Foundation. All opinions are 100% mine.
IKEA Foundation has a plan. A plan to change the world for kids in the poorest communities in the world, to improve lives, to provide opportunities and to offer hope for the future through the IKEA Foundation Child Labor initiative.
On World Day Against Child Labor (June 12th), IKEA Foundation Partners announced Phase 2 of an amazing plan that will protect 790,000 kids living in cotton communities in India, children that would otherwise be destined for a life of brutal child labor. During Phase 1 of this plan more than 600,000 children were reached. IKEA Foundation is helping to keep kids out of the cotton fields and in classrooms, where they have the opportunity to learn, to play, to laugh, to thrive as children.
In India, there are more than 13 million children from ages 5 to 14 that actually work in factories, fields and on farms. Most families in India are working for a sum of less than two U.S. dollars a day. Without intervention and a plan of sustainability, child labor will continue to be a problem. IKEA Foundation focuses on four fundamental areas of a child’s life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and sustainable family income. This strategic approach provides results that change a community one family at a time.
You can check out this IKEA Foundation video to see firsthand what the program is all about!
IKEA Foundation’s CEO, Per Heggenes says:
"We know there is no quick-fix solution to ending child labor, but long–term approaches can yield impressive results. The IKEA Foundation, with our partners, has been tackling this issue in India for nearly a decade. This new phase reinforces our long-term commitment and our desire to help millions more children out of child labor and back into the classrooms."
IKEA Foundation has already had many successes! Since their inception, they've helped more than 10,000 migrant children move back into their home communities, they've improved school enrollment rates in participating villages with nearly 2,000 trained teachers.
Aid has been provided to 1,866 Anganwadi health and education workers so that they can get training in teaching practices so that each village in the program a skilled community worker. Isn't that an amazing start?
Child labor in India is a serious issue. Children need a chance to develop, time to learn and tools that will provide opportunities for a brighter future. IKEA Foundation has a plan that will change communities and keep children from child labor, but the IKEA Foundation needs our help!
I would love for you, my readers, to help spread awareness by sharing this inforgraphic on social media as much as possible!
Please also like the IKEA Foundation Facebook page to stay up to date on new developments!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Wow, what an amazing project they've taken on! I love that they have helped so many children!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
That is awesome, I love when companies give back - kudos to IKEA for going above and beyond!
Elizabeth @Being MVP
That is so amazing. Love hearing about companies who give back so much.
Mama to 5 BLessings
LOVE Ikea!!!! This is wonderful that they are helping, what a great cause.
Jen Temcio @dapperhouse
That IS an amazing start. I love IKEA for their social service and how well they treat their employees. Great post!!
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips)
Wow! I had no idea that Ikea was this amazing. It warms your heart to know how many children they have helped. Thank you for sharing.
Amanda Acuna
WOW WHAT A GREAT PROJECT. i LOVE HOW THEY ARE GIVING ACK
susan
I have always been a fan of IKEA and this is a wonderful project, that makes me even more fond of IKEA
Angela S
I am so impressed by IKEA and this initiative of theirs. It's so nice to see big companies making a difference like this.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide
What a great project and making such a difference! Thanks for sharing!
Ann Bacciaglia
I had no idea that Ikea had a foundation. Thank you so much for sharing. I think it is fantastic when companies give back.
Amber Edwards
I am really impressed with the ikea foundation and making such strides to help aid the children that usually face child labor; but giving them a chance to instead go to school and be kids.
Janel @ A Mom's Take
I love it when big companies make a big effort to give back and make a difference. What a great cause!
Pam
I love when companies give back! This sounds like a great foundation and cause.
tammileetips
What an amazing program Ikea has going on! Love that it helps kids
Amy Desrosiers
See, I knew I LOVED Ikea! I love when companies give back.
Sandra McCollum
I love Ikea for their products and what they stand for.
Liz Mays
They've helped more than 10,000 move back home already? That is nothing to sneeze at!
Brandy M.
I love seeing big companies give back. It makes a difference sometimes in my shopping purchases. Thank you for the information.
Jennifer Soltys
That is amazing. Just one more reason to love IKEA!!
Aimee Smith
Oh wow what a great cause, I had no idea that they did this.
Dawn
It's sad to think about how many children are forced into a life of hard labor. I am glad that the IKEA Foundation is stepping in to help put a stop to this.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack
Wow what a great campaign. I love Ikea and I love that they are doing something so great.
StacieinAtlanta
What a fantastic cause. I really love seeing companies like IKEA step up like this.
Brett Martin
This just makes me love Ikea even more! They do so many great things for the community.
Teea Lynn
That's amazing, improving the school system is a great thing to do. I think its great they brought the children back home and I wish more companies follow their example
Theresa
We don't have an IKEA near us, but if we did, I would shop there often. I like to support companies that give back like this! Play to go IKEA!
Brett Martin
I absolutely love Ikea for all that they do for charitable causes such as this one. I love this project, and it's positive impact on children.
Susanna @Zealous Mom
I love Ikea. This just gives me reason to love them even more. It makes me so happy when companies sponsor awesome campaigns like this one.
Carly
Whoa, I had no idea Ikea had a foundation. What an awesome program!
Migdalia - @MsLatina
I didn't realize IKEA worked with to help children in the poorest communities. What an amazing initiative that makes me love them more than I did before. Kudos to them for being a leader and socially responsible organization!