Street trading, a common business activity in towns and cities across the nation, involves selling goods on the streets. While this is mainly done by adults, some parents and guardians involve children in such activities, which is considered child abuse under the Child Right Act.

Meet 8-year-old Hannah Kabba, who can be found on the streets of Kenema, near the main fisheries market, selling bananas. She shared that her aunty gave her the bananas to sell. Hannah's biological parents reside in the village in Dodo Chiefdom, Kenema District. Unfortunately, her education is greatly affected as she rarely attends school and instead, sells items on the streets weekly. At home, she is burdened with domestic work and lacks time for studying. Her evenings are spent sleeping early, leaving no room for learning at home.

Street trading has severe implications for children's education in the country. Many children like Hannah miss out on valuable schooling and educational opportunities due to their involvement in street trading. This not only hampers their personal development but also hinders the nation's progress.

In response to this issue, the Ministry of Social Welfare and security forces should work to address and control the situation, recognizing the importance of safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their access to education. It is crucial that we all play our part in protecting the rights of children like Hannah, enabling them to receive proper education and nurturing their potential. By creating awareness about the negative impact of child street trading and supporting measures to prevent child abuse, we can contribute to the overall development of our nation and a brighter future for every child.