The Secretary of State for Vocational Training Policy and Employment (SEPFOPE) has identified 233 children aged between 8- and 16-years-old who work in jobs which harm their physical development or compromise their educational opportunities. 
The figures were gathered during the period from July 29 to December 14 last year.
Secretary of State Ilidio Ximenes da Costa said this these figures were from a study conducted in Dili only. He said the government would look into the situation more comprehensively this year.
He said the study found 128 did not go to school, 35 of whom were female and 93 were male. The 105 children who did attend school included 19 girls and 86 boys.
He said the children were engaged in work including selling items such as cigarettes, pulsa, fruit and boiled eggs as well as construction work, car washing and collecting rubbish.
He added the study identified contributing factors which included being raised in poverty, and having divorced or absent parents.
Cigarette vendor Novenio Pascoal, 12, said he enjoyed his work, even though it made tired, as it allowed him to help his parents.
“Getting back home (from school), I go to sell cigarettes and credit until night. I go back home as I am tired and I have a sleep. I do not study. In the morning I go to school and get back home I continue to sell in order to help my parents buy school things,” he said.
Boiled egg vendor Anton Colo from Oe-Cusse said he could not continue his study as he received no support from his family.
The boiled eggs he sells are not his but belong to other people.
He receives $50 each month for his labour.
“I don’t go to school and I live with my brothers. Every day they tell me to sell eggs in the city,”Colo said.
