A child worker transports packages on a cart at the bustling Sunday market in Huanta, Peru.

On the streets of Huanta, children sell candy, shine shoes, provide childcare, and carry parcels – risky jobs for young people.

Around the world, 168 million children spend their days as laborers.

“There are lots of children who want to come back from child labor, but they don’t have any hope," says World Vision child protection officer Lima Hanna Daring. “They didn’t get a primary education, they can’t get into secondary school, and their family relies on the income.”

World Vision’s child sponsorship and community development make it possible for more children in Peru – and many other countries –  to stay in school rather than growing up too fast on the streets.

Please pray that more children will be able to attend school rather than working.

Photo©2015 World Vision, Eugene Lee