In North Korea, many children face a growing student labor burden as they take on odd jobs to help their families survive. Students often make coal briquettes, transport goods to markets, or perform other physically demanding work, leaving little time for education. Experts warn that the student labor burden is undermining the traditional expectation that students should focus on studying.
A source in North Hamgyong province explained that nearly every family relies on children for additional work due to economic hardship. High school students often sustain injuries or suffer long-term health issues while performing these tasks. In Hoeryong, for instance, a student’s toenail rotted after working with coal briquettes at home, but his family lacked medical supplies to treat him.
Homemade coal briquettes are vital for households unable to purchase winter fuel. Despite being labor-intensive and producing coal dust, they remain a critical resource for cooking and heating. Children often endure these conditions to support family survival, contributing to the student labor burden.
Market work also plays a major role. Children assist parents in carrying heavy goods to and from marketplaces, often working from dawn until evening. These responsibilities leave students exhausted and unable to focus on academic activities. In many cases, students must prioritize household labor over attending classes or completing assignments.
Schools have adjusted to this reality. Homeroom teachers reportedly allow students to leave classes for essential household chores, acknowledging that families rely on this labor for survival. Consequently, the student labor burden has become an accepted part of life, with education often taking a back seat.
Officials and educators face a dilemma. While they recognize the importance of schooling, they also understand that families cannot survive without children’s contributions. The student labor burden highlights the broader economic pressures affecting North Korean households and the systemic challenges to children’s education and safety.
Analysts warn that unless structural economic improvements occur, the student labor burden will continue to grow. Experts emphasize that reducing this burden is crucial for protecting children’s health, educational development, and long-term prospects.
In conclusion, the student labor burden in North Korea illustrates how families struggle to survive amid economic hardship. Children’s work, while essential for households, compromises education, safety, and future opportunities, signaling urgent social and policy challenges.
