Rural Children Lured Into Street Trading With False School Promises – Waterloo Traders’ Leader Warns

The Chairlady of the Petty Traders at Five-Five Park in Waterloo, Dusha Kamara, popularly known as Baby B, has raised alarm over what she described as the growing exploitation of children brought from rural communities with false promises of education but later forced into street trading.

Speaking in an interview, Kamara alleged that some individuals travel to provincial communities and persuade parents to release their children by assuring them they will be enrolled in school. She said that instead of receiving an education after arriving in Waterloo, many of the children are compelled to engage in street trading to generate income for those who brought them.

According to her, the children spend long hours on the streets selling sachet water and other items, exposing them to serious safety and welfare risks.

She warned that the children are vulnerable to criminal attacks, harassment, road traffic accidents and other forms of abuse while carrying out their daily trading activities, adding that such conditions place their well-being and future at significant risk.

Kamara noted that many of the affected children are familiar with her because of her role as Chairlady of the petty traders. She said they frequently turn to her for assistance whenever they encounter difficulties, explaining that she often intervenes to resolve disputes and provide support where possible.

She described the situation as a serious child protection concern that requires urgent attention from parents, community leaders and the relevant government authorities.

Kamara called on authorities to investigate the alleged practice and ensure that children brought from rural areas are given the education, care and protection they were promised, rather than being exploited as a source of cheap labour through street trading.

She further urged parents to exercise caution before entrusting their children to individuals who promise educational opportunities, stressing that every child deserves access to education and a safe environment free from exploitation.