How can science help people? Charita Castro is a scientist who’s spent her life using science to make kids’ lives better, all over the world. When she was little, she saw something that made her ask a big question: “Why don’t other kids have what I have?” She decided to dedicate her life to helping other people. But she didn’t know how until she discovered social science. Follow Charita’s journey to find out about a very special kind of science!
MEET CHARITA
Charita Castro is a social scientist. Social scientists can study anything and everything about human societies and the relationships between people. Charita chose to study children who work, in order to help them live better lives.
Charita's family is from the Philippines. She says one of her goals is to let kids, especially Filipina girls, that dreams can come true.
HELP END CHILD LABOR
Charita has dedicated her life to protecting children from child labor. It began when she was a young girl in the Philippines with her mom, and saw children working on the street.
This year (2021) is the International Year to Eliminate Child Labor. Here's how the United Nations defines child labor:
Children around the world are routinely engaged in paid and unpaid forms of work that are not harmful to them. However, they are classified as child labourers when they are either too young to work, or are involved in hazardous activities that may compromise their physical, mental, social or educational development. In the least developed countries, slightly more than one in four children (ages 5 to 17) are engaged in labour that is considered detrimental to their health and development.
Learn more about the Day to End Child Labor, June 12. (Celebrated the day after this episode is released!)
CHARITA'S FAVORITE ORGANIZATIONS
In the episode, Charita recommends using your talents to help raise money, and help organizations that do work with survivors of child labor. Charita has shared with us her two favorite places to donate:
(Note: Some of the material on these website describing child labor might not be appropriate for children to view directly. We recommend parents and teachers read and learn about these organizations' work.)
HOW TO START HELPING
Charita says it doesn't matter what age or grade you're in, it's never to early to start helping. While it may not be possible to volunteer directly, organizations can always use your help to have money to do their work! You can make a donation by using your talents. Brainstorm what you can do or make to raise money.
Here's a few ideas to get started.
