Community and organisational efforts to combat child labour in three schools in the outskirts of Lima (Peru)

Abstract

Schools are a central scenario of community life. In this paper we analyze the preparation for the prevention of child labor in three community settings in Jicamarca and Villa El Salvador, in the suburban area of Lima (Peru). To do this we compare the community and organizational characteristics of three primary schools (“Max Uhle”, “Peruano Suizo” and “NASSAE”), along with the psychological profile of 151 children in 4th and 5th grade, participants in the Edúcame Primero, Perú Program. In a comparative case study we combined participant observation, and interviews with 10 key informants with the application of scales to assess self-esteem, self-efficacy, social skills and academic performance in children. Social climate as well as indicators of school and community violence was also obtained for each educative center. The largest school, with a bureaucratic organizational structure, showed the most negative indicators on academic achievement, social skills and awareness of violence in the community. It also obtained the lowest rating in community readiness against child labor. This case shows the importance of organizational dynamics in the community role played by the school. The discussion highlights the interaction between organizational factors and characteristics of the community as a key indicator of readiness for change. Community fit of educational organizations appears to be critical in the effective implementation of programs against child labor.