Do enslaved children make the chocolate you eat?
Possibly half of all cocoa is produced by slaves - mostly children.
A Bit of Slavery in Every Bite
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I found myself sold without knowing it. It was as though I had become an object, that you can shape, and then throw away. We were 380 young slaves aged eight to 15 years, lost in the hell that was the farms of Chakabougou. Each day we had to keep going despite the inhuman work or die finished off with a blow of the whip.
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The numbers
The Ivory Coast produces 43% of the world's cocoa.
It is estimated that 15,000 children, ages 9 - 12, are enslaved on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast.
These children are bought for as little as $30 (USD). They are kept in windowless sheds when they are not working - which isn't often, as they work from 80 - 100 hours per week. The living conditions are terrible. They are beaten. Most will never see their families again.
Recent Forum Posts
by slave-free
4 months ago
Fair Trade Chocolate Party
are Fair Trade with Kids - Win a Chocolate Party
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A Divine Chocolate Party is a great way for parents to teach children
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