Craig Kielburger

Craig in Haiti (http://www.catholicregister.org/images/stories/canada_people/Craig_Keilburger.jpg)

Craig Kielburger's story began when he was 12 years old. He was reading the newspaper when he saw the heading: “Battled child labor, boy 12, murdered”. That boy’s name was Iqbal Masih. Iqbal was a boy who was born in India, he was sent to a carpet factory at a young age. He went to the carpet factory with a debt to repay of $12, the money was used for a family member's wedding. Iqbal went when he was 5 years old and finished working when he was 12. Iqbal was the main reason that inspired Craig to start his organization called “Free the Children”. After Craig saw the newspaper article, he contacted information to see what he could find out about any organizations raising money to fight child labour. He decided not enough was being done, and he had to do something to help.

Craig was only beginning to start his organization when he went to a conference and spoke out against child labor. He hoped that by going to that conference and he could raise $10,000 but ended up raising $150,000. I think that is amazing. After he had finished contacting the organizations, Craig continued by collecting 10,000 signatures to petition against child labour. A few months later, he was asked by a family friend to go to Asia to see how bad things actually are there. It was very hard for Craig to convince his parents to let him go. When he went he saw how bad it truly was there. I think it would have been very hard to witness that.

Craig has created an organization called “Free the Children”. This organization has raised millions of dollars for children who are enslaved by adult owners who are using children for cheap labor because they don't need to be paid as much. Child labour is pretty common today in many countries in the world and there are many different varieties of labour that children do.

Craig Kielburger, himself (http://www.quantumshift.tv/schools/images/judge_craigkielburger_large.jpg)

Craig has impacted many people across the world and is continuing to do so. He is an inspiration because he stepped up to the plate and began raising money for stopping child labour when not many others were. This is a key factor to what has made him my hero. I believe that he will be the start of a chain of other people who will also begin to raise money for this cause.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why Craig is a hero. He has done so much for children who can not stand up for themselves. We, as people of the world, need to begin to help Craig on his journey. He is just one person, and we could offer help and support for him along every step that he is taking and will take. I hope that anyone who is reading this will step back and take a good look at what the world has become and what it is becoming and how much of a change Craig has made. I think we just have to do one thing--“Free the Children!”