Every now and then you read an article on child labor in certain countries, and how the western world condemns this phenomenon. However, the west may not always understand life in other countries and should know that not everybody wants the same life as they are living.
The west stresses the importance of education. But let me ask you: what is education? Not the whole population needs a bachelor's degree. The society also needs handworkers, bakers, shopkeepers, mechanics, farmers, etc. etc. So, yes, it is very useful for every child to attend school for a certain number of years, until the child can read, write, multiply and divide, and has gotten some general knowledge. But if this child happens to have the chance to learn a profession (in his father's shop, for example, or his uncle's restaurant, on his father's farm, or in his brother's qamariah workshop), there is absolutely nothing wrong with accepting that opportunity! It will give the child even a better future than his former classmates at school.
You're asking 'how?' Well, it's simple. Whoever finishes high school has a certificate but little actual knowledge. Where could this graduate find a job? Well, in his father's shop, for example, or his uncle's restaurant, on his father's farm, or in his brother's qamariah workshop. But by this time, he is much older than the 'drop-out' who started learning years ago, which makes it more difficult for him.
As far as 'child labor' in Yemen is concerned, the vast majority of kids who spend their time working do so with a family member (father, uncle, brother) who owns the business they work in. They are not being exploited by rich factory-owners or something like that. Moreover, working and practical learning makes the child more mature and responsible. Didn't you have a weekend-job when you were young?
