The present study has the main purpose of analyzing the problem of child labor and social welfare in the Wayuu ethnic group of Colombia. The research was developed from a mixed descriptive design (qualitative - quantitative), with an intentional sample of 97 children and adolescents in child labor conditions that were within the educational system. The instruments used to measure the variables were: a) Survey on Factors Associated with Child Labor (Vidal, López & Zuleta, 2015) and b) Scale of Social Welfare (Keyes, 1998). The results show the vulnerability conditions in which the study population, families and environment are located. These findings constitute a reference for the development of programs of psychosocial and educational intervention aimed at the eradication of child labor and the improvement of the quality of life conditions of Wayuu children and adolescents residing in the Department of La Guajira, Colombia.

Keywords: Child labor, Social Welfare, Wayuu Etnic Group, Colombia