For many less fortunate students in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, summer vacation is a time to earn extra money by shelling shrimp.
Little girl shelling shrimp
For a long time it has been the case that during the summer break from school, child labour was used for shrimp production in Hau Loc District’s Minh Loc and Ngu Loc Communes. These children worked in order to pay for their next year\'s studies.
Earning between 10,000 and VND15,000 (USD0.5-USD0.7) per day, the kids work under the scorching sun.
Nguyen Van Dung, a 3rd grade student from Hung Loc Commune, said, “I don\'t have anywhere to play and I cannot take extra classes. So I follow my mother to the beach to work. At first it was really hard and it hurt my hands, but my mother taught me how to do it and now I\'m used to the work."
Ms. Hoa also shells shrimp on the beach. She said, "Please don\'t say that we abuse children here. There is no place for them to play, and the work is not too difficult for them. And they can earn VND5,000 (USD0.24) per kilo. At least they are not left home alone."
To Thi Duyen, a 4th grade student said, "I\'m happy to do the job. It\'s a chance to earn some money to help support my study."
Other children are compelled to help the adults draw nets to catch crabs, oysters and snails as the tide goes out.
Children earn each between 10,000 and VND15,000 per day
Working for a better life
Innocent joy
