Young cobalt miner gets a new chance at life

Summary

A CBS News investigation revealed the harsh realities faced by young children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who risk their lives mining cobalt for cellphone batteries. Zeki, an 11-year-old orphan, was one of these children, earning a meager income while longing for an education. After the story aired, CBS viewers raised enough funds to send Zeki and his siblings to school, transforming their lives. Zeki now dreams of becoming a government minister to help other children in the mines. The story highlights the power of compassion and the potential for change through collective action.

Takeaways

• 😀 CBS News investigation highlights the dangerous conditions faced by children mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• 😀 Zaki Swasey, an 11-year-old orphan, is one of approximately 40,000 children working in the mines for a small wage.
• 😀 Zaki's dream was to attend school, but he faced the harsh reality of working in the mines to support his family.
• 😀 Viewers of the CBS story were moved by Zaki’s plight, leading to donations that funded his education.
• 😀 Thanks to generous donors, Zaki and his siblings were able to attend school for the first time.
• 😀 Zaki expressed his happiness at being able to go to school, comparing his new experience to that of other children.
• 😀 Zaki experienced nerves on his first day but eventually introduced himself and joined the soccer team.
• 😀 Zaki hopes to inspire other children who work in the mines to pursue education, with aspirations of one day becoming a government minister to help others.
• 😀 CBS viewers donated over $10,000 to support Zaki’s education program following the airing of the story.
• 😀 The story shows the power of viewer donations and how they can dramatically change the life of a child in need.

Q & A

What is the primary issue highlighted in the CBS News investigation?

The CBS News investigation reveals that young children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are risking their lives mining cobalt, a key ingredient in cellphone batteries.

Who is Zeki Swasey and what is his situation?

Zeki Swasey is an 11-year-old orphan who works in a mine in extreme heat to extract cobalt. He earns a small amount of money, which he brings home to support his family, but struggles with the fact that he cannot attend school like other children.

What is Zeki's dream?

Zeki's dream is to go to school, a wish he has due to seeing his friends attending school while he works in the mines.

How did CBS viewers respond to Zeki's plight?

Approximately 50 CBS viewers were moved by Zeki's situation and contributed enough money to help Zeki and his siblings attend school.

What significant change occurred in Zeki's life after the CBS News investigation aired?

After the investigation aired, Zeki was able to attend school for the first time, thanks to the donations made by viewers. He also joined the soccer team and experienced the happiness of being a student.

What did Zeki express about his feelings towards attending school?

Zeki expressed that he felt happy to be attending school and could now experience the joy his friends feel. Although he felt nervous on his first day, he was proud to introduce himself to his classmates.

Who is Sister Catherine Merton D and how did she help Zeki?

Sister Catherine Merton D is an individual who has dedicated her life to saving children from the mines. She helped Zeki by connecting with CBS viewers who raised funds to send him and his siblings to school.

What is Zeki's future ambition?

Zeki's future ambition is to become a government minister. He hopes to help other children who work in the mines by ensuring they are given the opportunity to attend school.

How much money was raised by CBS viewers for Zeki's education program?

CBS viewers donated over $10,000 for Zeki's school program, which will support his and his siblings' education.

What broader issue does this story highlight about child labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The story sheds light on the exploitation of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where many young children are forced to work in dangerous conditions in cobalt mines to support their families, missing out on education and a chance for a better future.