All work and no play Myanmar s children prop up economy

Saw Paing Htway (R) and Min Min are seen working at a teashop on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar
� AFP Ye Aung Thu




Yangon (AFP) - Twelve-year-old Myat Noe dashes between tables taking orders and sweeping up cigarette butts, working for around a dollar a day in myanmar best hotels, which has one of the worst records for child labour hotels in myanmar the world.

There are millions like Myat Noe -- child workers are widely accepted in the former junta-ruled nation -- who prop up everything from tea rooms to factories. But pressure is building for a change of attitude and law.

Weeks away from the landmark November 8 election a coalition of campaign groups are seizing the opportunity for debate and urging lawmakers to provide universal, compulsory and free education within five years.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, is expected to make major gains hotels in myanmar the election, and has identified education as the cornerstone in reducing poverty, but so far hasn't committed to this demand.

A quick glance along Yangon's streets reveals there is some way to go.