Pre-primary school participation, Gross enrolment ratio (%) 2008 -2012*, female3.8

Primary school participation, Gross enrolment ratio (%) 2008-2012*, male102.9

Primary school participation, Gross enrolment ratio (%) 2008-2012*, female89

Primary school participation, Net attendance ratio (%) 2008-2012*, male77.5

Primary school participation, Net attendance ratio (%) 2008-2012*, female72.1

Secondary school participation, Net attendance ratio (%) 2008-2012*, male35.1

Secondary school participation, Net attendance ratio (%) 2008-2012*, female28.3

19 percent said they had seen a child die on an artisanal mining site

87 percent experienced body pain, and many had been injured

67 percent reported frequent or persistent coughing

Several girls had had genital infections after working waist-deep in acidic water

“Since working here, I have problems with my skin, body pains, and pain in my eyes,” said Jean, an 8-year-old

can permanently damage a growing child’s bones and muscles

exposure to uranium and mercury can have profound health effects

Falling down open mine shafts, being trapped or injured by collapsing tunnels, or drowning while mining underwater are all serious threats

Children absorb and retain heavy metals in the brain more easily.

Children’s enzyme systems are still developing so they are less able to detoxify hazardous substances.

Children breathe faster and more deeply, so they can inhale more airborne pathogens and dusts.

Children dehydrate more easily due to their larger skin surface and because of their faster breathing.

“This is not a childhood, with no time to play, rest or go on holiday with family,”

we believe we are just scratching the surface of the real issues