Child Work? Child Labour? was a question that came up consistently through the screening process of the articles for this issue.

Some organisations and individuals have taken bold steps to reiterate the need for children to relate to the land that they are brought up on, that farming should be a part of their growing up process. The economic crisis has ironically revealed how dependent on the urban factories our youngsters have become. Now the young people are back to their roots, but alienated and unfit even physically to cope with working on the land.  

On the other hand, some of the small souls behind the articles scream for freedom and security from bonded labour on the farms, slavery like situations on the plantations or working on pearl farms in the terrifying depths of the sea.

For CWA it is imperative that we lay before our readers as wide a spectrum as possible of the existing situation of working children in the region.

The CWA Newsletter was a pioneer of sorts in bringing out the voice of the children at a time when most child focused organisations talked about and for the children. In order to continue this basic CWA spirit, the CWA Coordinating Team is very happy to announce that we are requesting for contributions to our newsletter directly from young people or young people's organisations. One page will be dedicated to children or younger people's organisations in each issue. We begin with this issue where we introduce CWA's latest and youngest partner - the Jagaran Group (an ex street children's group working for street children) for more details read our page on the Direct Line - the Voice of Youth.

At CWA we receive comments and suggestions from our readers on the Newsletter. In order to share this with our readers we are also introducing the Readers' Column. The Editorial Team will have to reserve the right to select and edit letters for reasons of space and clarity.  

So, let's go at it partners and make your Newsletter add its worth in changing the world of the child workers for the better.

With solidarity, 

The Editorial Team