Authors : Dr. Eric P. Indie

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yc26sath

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdhe4t9w

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10219695

Abstract : The purpose of the qualitative study was to describe the lived experiences of the young laborers who work at a very young age at the same study, their coping mechanism on the challenges they have experienced and the different hopes and aspirations that can be derived from their experiences. This study was conducted using multiple case study through in- depth interview among the five participants namely: The Little Househelper, The Little Caretaker, The Little Balut Vendor, The Little Nanny and the Little Rice Harvester, they all came from the public school of Carmen, Davao del Norte. There were four essential themes emerged on the lived experiences the following were; having self-dependence and self- sufficiency, tiredness and burnout, poverty and financial constraints and having poor school performance. Meanwhile as to their coping mechanism, the themes that were generated were: time management, resourcefulness, resilience and optimism. Moreover, hopes and aspirations of young laborers were: learn to balance work and education, be determined in reaching goals and learn to help family. In view of the above, the Department of Education needs to review the law pertaining to child labor in order to address the high percentage of child labor. The school heads should also address the problem through constant information drive to parents on child labor and adapt the MISOSA program of the DepEd to help the young laborers realized their dreams in life.

Keywords : Wanted, Children at Work, Young Laborers, Multiple Case Study.