Some of you may have already heard of the amazing work this organisation (BBA) does but I visited the BBA ashram in North Delhi on a recent trip with Hannah from Piccalilly, and was so moved by their work I thought I would tell you my experience.

The BBA is not a conventional NGO. Formed in 1980 a mass movement inspired with the same vision to create a child friendly society, where all children are free from exploitation and receive free and quality education. The mission being..

..to identify, liberate, rehabilitate and educate children in servitude through direct intervention, child and community participation, coalition building, consumer action, promoting ethical trade practices and mass mobilisation.

It is estimated that up to 115 million children are working in India under some form of forced labour, and at least fifteen million of them, are workings as virtual slaves. These are the 'bonded' child labourers of India, picking rags, building bricks, working in the domestic households, rolling beedi (cigarette) leaves, manufacturing firecrackers to weaving carpet in looms and in zari (embroidery) manufacturing units. Reports suggest that there are about 100,000 child labourers in zari sweatshops in Delhi and nearly the same numbers in Mumbai and elsewhere.

Hannah and I were shown around by a dedicated team who consider themselves activists, and entertained by a group of about 30 boys aged between 6 - 13, who had recently been liberated from factories in Delhi working in the Zari industry. They were thrilled that we were visiting and asked us questions as to why we were there and what we could do for them. They then chanted slogans about child liberation and sang and danced for us - a very moving experience.

For more information go to the BBA website - www.bba.org.in.

Don't forget 'Fair Trade - In The Frame' exhibition will be moving from the Malabar Restaurant in Notting Hill this weekend to launch in Worcester at the Art House Café on 12 August 2009.

Visit 'Fair Trade - In The Frame' on Facebook for more info and the tour dates!