Trabajo infantil y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de básica superior: Caso de la Unidad Educativa Corina Parral, Bolívar, Ecuador

This study examines the relationship between child labor and low academic performance among upper basic level students at the Corina Parral Educational Unit, located in San José de Chimbo, Bolívar Province, during the 2022–2023 academic year. The research is based on the premise that child labor constitutes a violation of fundamental rights, negatively impacting the comprehensive development of children and adolescents, especially in the educational sphere. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach within a socio-critical paradigm, surveys were administered to students, parents, and teachers to identify the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing the persistence of child labor and its impact on academic achievement. Findings reveal that a significant portion of students is affected by work obligations outside of school hours, limiting their study time, reducing their academic engagement, and impairing their social interaction. In response, an intervention strategy based on awareness workshops was developed, targeting parents, teachers, and students to raise awareness about the consequences of child labor and to promote collaborative strategies for its mitigation. This research aims to strengthen the right to inclusive, equitable, and quality education while contributing to the development of institutional policies for child protection and academic improvement.