Sister Marian Khiyang and Sister Theresa Langhu during the Children's Day programme on November 15 in Kohima.
FDWA observes Children’s Day
Kohima, November 15 (MExN): The Ferrando Domestic Workers' Alliance, Kohima organised a programme to observe Children's Day and belated World Day against Child Labour, at St Francis de Sales parish, on November 14 in Kohima.
Rev Sister Theresa Langhu, coordinator of FDWA, Kohima, highlighted the major problems of child labour in many developing countries including India and informed that about 13 million children between the ages of 5-15 were said to be engaged in child labour in the country as per the 2018 report of International Labour Organization.
According to a press release from the FDWA, she also informed that one-third of the country is in poverty which is considered to be the primary reason for child labour. Langhu also pointed out that children are often kept as domestic helps in many households including those of government servants in Kohima. In this regard, she appealed both the government and the citizens to play their part in stopping child labour. She mentioned how laws against child labour should be tightened while free education and food should be provided to children.
Speaking during the programme, Rev Sister Marian Khiyang, vice superior of St Mary's Convent Kohima, said that Children's Day has been celebrated over the years on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru every year on November 14. She recalled how Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India was also known to be ‘Children's Chacha Nehru,’ who was fond of children.
Khiyang also narrated how Jesus in the Bible had also deeply loved children and told that the kingdom of God belongs to the little ones. As such, she reminded the children that they were precious, loved and respected while hoping that they would bring unity, love, peace and harmony in the nation.
As part of the pprogramme, children also held placards and shouted slogans against child labour later in the streets of Kohima, the release stated.
Earlier, Rev Father Alex Tep, assistant priest, invoked God's blessings while FDWA field animators Veronica and Sarah Sema, chaired the programme and delivered the vote of thanks respectively.
