He was recognized for his courage and success in teaching people about child slavery. During his trip to the U.S., Iqbal wanted to meet children his own age, so he went to Broad Meadows Middle School. He talked to the students about his experience as a child slave.
?
✓
He also talked about children like him all over the world who never have the chance to go to school. The students of Broad Meadows were very moved by Iqbal’s words. Before he left they wrote hundreds of letters in support of Iqbal. After he left, they began writing letters to U.S. politicians asking them to fight against child labor.
?
✓
When Iqbal returned, he took some of the letters he received from the American students and put them on his wall.
?
✓
He made many friends there and didn’t want to forget them.
He was planning to return to the U.S. to continue studying after he finished high school. An American university recognized his work fighting for the rights of children and offered him a full
scholarship.
?
✓
Iqbal would never get the chance to go to school in the U.S. or continue his studies at home. When he returned to Pakistan, he went to his uncle’s house with his cousins. On the way, Iqbal was shot in the back and killed.
?
✓
No one knows who killed Iqbal, but many people think it was the carpet industry.
Iqbal’s death was a tragedy, but his life was an inspiration. He was only 12 years old, but he was a true hero. In just two years he helped 3,000 children become free.
?
✓
The courage of a small boy to stand up against the powerful carpet industry deeply moved people around the world.
The children of Broad Meadows continue to remember Iqbal and his fight for the rights of children.
?
✓
Every year they visit all the stores in their town and ask them
whether children make any of the products they sell. They also have raised money to open schools in Pakistan and other countries in Iqbal’s memory.
Child labor is still a problem in many countries such as India and Pakistan, but it’s also a problem in some countries in Europe, too.
Around the world there are 158 million child workers between the ages of 5 and 14.
?
✓
In the worst situations, children are forced to become soldiers and prostitutes.
?
✓
forced to become soldiers and prostitutes.
