Kongo: Dieser 8-Jährige arbeitet, damit unsere Handys funktionieren

Dorsin’s Story

Eight-year-old Dorsin cannot attend school because he works alongside his father in a cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cobalt is used in smartphone and tablet batteries, yet miners and their families remain extremely poor.

Dorsin describes working all day, suffering and having headaches. His father says the family cannot afford food or schooling.

Mining Conditions

The report highlights dangerous working conditions and weak government oversight in the mining sector. It cites an Amnesty International report estimating that about 150,000 people work in life-threatening mines in the country. UNICEF estimated in 2014 that 40,000 children were involved in mining work.

A Chance to Go to School

After a British television crew brought Dorsin’s situation to the attention of a local aid organization, Dorsin and his friend Richard were offered places at a school 160 kilometres away. Although he needs his son’s help, Dorsin’s father lets him go.

At school, the boys receive regular meals, clean clothes, lessons and a proper bed—an opportunity to leave hazardous work behind.

Presenters and Contributors

No presenter is identified in the subtitles. Contributors featured or referenced include Dorsin, his father, Richard, a British television crew, a local aid organization, Amnesty International and UNICEF.