GUATEMALA: Retalhuleu Stone Quarries International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Country Map IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Background Retalhuleu: 120 miles from Guatemala City 189 families involved in stone crushing on bank of Samala river More than 500 children between 5 & 15 work They suffer respiratory & other ailments from dust, heat, effort & injuries IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Objectives Program launched 1998 for two years to: Progressively withdraw children & provide alternatives Incorporate child labor into social development agenda Create awareness Implementing agency Habitat, supported by IPEC IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Preliminary study led to action plan for: Health Education Economic alternatives Communication & community participation Research & documentation IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Workshop & Seminars: 700 teachers & principals in teaching & skill enhancing 300 children in street theater production against drop-out 54 families in nutrition workshop 100 families in micro-enterprise training programs Commuity members trained as basic health educators IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Problems & achievements 121 children withdrawn 240 children at school 30 families in alternative work 10 families formed cooperative & bought rock-crushing equipment 247 people given medical attention IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Lessons learned Program highlights importance of community involvement & integrated process Confidence building through health fairs Challenge Changing views & attitudes IPEC International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC