Children Vs Chocolate by Xavier Hiraldo

Dear Chocolate Lover,

            Can you imagine working under the hot steaming sun cutting cocoa pods this is how life is for some 5-12 year olds in the western part of Africa, and not only that for all there hard work they get $1.00 or less. This letter shows that child labor plays a major role in chocolate-making and will also show that we must take action.

            Child Labor contributes to chocolate-making in many ways. First, most cocoa beans grow in the western part of Africa. According to the documentary “ The Dark Side of Chocolate” it states that “ 75% of cocoa beans are from West Africa. Next, trafficking plays a major role in child labor. According to the documentary “The Dark Side of Chocolate” it states that  “In 2006, 132 children were trafficked. In 2007, 140 children were trafficked. 2008-2009, 150 children were rescued. Lastly, children would only $1.00 or less. According to the article it states that “Farmer paid 1 euro ($1.27) for a killo of cocoa beans you can make 40 chocolate bars.

            Chocolate-making has made a major impact on the lives of children in West Africa. First, children have been separated from their families. Next, children would get hit or bruised with machetes. Lastly, the feelings of children change dramatically.

            People have already taken action. First, foreign exchange students went to the suburbs in Washington D.C. to celebrate reverse trick or treat which is when children get chocolate that is not made by children. According to the article it states that “In addition to accepting candy, the students hand back their own Fair- Certified dark chocolate. This shows that people are already taking action, but we need to show our support.

            Next, the company Hershey has made a commitment to do fair trade chocolate in the year 2022. According to the article “Raising the Bar” it states that “a commitment that the majority of Hershey cocoa beans across all products will be fair-trade certified in 2022. This shows that Hershey is ready to take action and stop child labor but we need to keep pressure on these companies.. I personally think that Hershey should have joined this fair-trade movement earlier because if we don’t  2/3 of children in West Africa suffer under child labor.

           Child labor plays a major role in chocolate making but it also shows if we  take action and pressure the chocolate companies we can make a difference