At JTI, we are dedicated to eliminating child labor as part of our commitment to a sustainable supply chain and the well-being of growers and their communities. Our efforts align with international standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and ILO Conventions on minimum employment age and child labor elimination. Additionally, ARISE supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth and Target 16.2 on ending child abuse and exploitation.
ARISE is JTI's flagship program for eradicating child labor. Since its global launch in 2011 and its introduction in Zambia in 2013, ARISE has transformed tobacco-growing communities by shifting children from farms to classrooms. The program tackles the root causes of child labor, including limited access to education, poverty, cultural norms, and legal barriers. In Zambia, ARISE aligns with national policies such as the National Employment and Labour Market Policy and the National Youth Policy, emphasizing the elimination of child exploitation.
Education and Awareness
Improving access to education and raising awareness about the harmful effects of child labor are fundamental to changing mindsets within communities. Through the WeProsper campaign, JTI Zambia actively promotes the benefits of education while highlighting the long-term consequences of child labor. Additionally, in collaboration with local communities and government partnerships, JTI enhances school infrastructure to support better learning environments for children.
Socio-Economic Empowerment and Strengthening Legal Frameworks
JTI Zambia works closely with grassroots organizations, such as District and Community Child Labor Committees, to monitor and report child labor cases effectively. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, JTI provides economic empowerment opportunities that encourage continued community participation.
Furthermore, JTI collaborates with governments to develop child labor laws, reinforcing the protection of children’s rights.
ARISE's Integrated Community Approach
ARISE employs a holistic, community-based approach, partnering with:
Government ministries and local councils
NGOs and civil society organizations
Traditional leaders and educational institutions
Farmers, parents, and guardians
Community Child Labor Committees and children
Media
Visit www.ariseprogram.org to explore our progress and see how we are working to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment.