‘Help us fulfill our dreams’
The participants during the ‘Day of Hope’ event held on February 8.
‘Day of Hope’ calls on government to fulfill basic needs of children in Nagaland with proper education
Dimapur, February 8 (MExN): Children belonging to different ‘child participation group’ gathered at the Assisi Auditorium, Dimapur to celebrate “Day of Hope” on February 8. The event was organised by National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID).
Maria, member of CRM speaking on behalf of the children said, “Every child is precious and special.”
“Many of our brothers and sisters are victimized by situations, cultures and denied of their rights,” she stated while highlighting the activities of CRM where they identify children and provide platform to put out their talents and potentials, help those children to enjoy the childhood and promote child rights.”
However, she pointed out that there are still more children struggling due to lack of education. Therefore, Maria made an appeal to the Government to “hear the cry for help to fulfill our dreams. Help free those children, who are still working as labour; help to fulfill the rights and to enjoy our childhood.”
Expressing believe and trust in the Government, she said, “only with your support and help we can fulfill our dreams. Let this Day of Hope be a day to change and fulfill the basic needs of all the children in Nagaland with proper education.”
Sr Pramila, Director of ACID said, “Today we mark the day celebrating a day of hope for the children especially for those who do not have enough hope at all levels. We have a direct focus on children in domestic work; children whose parents are domestic workers and other children whom we think are most vulnerable and need to be protected by their own participation. We want to create awareness and give sensitization on the right of children so as to attain rights of the child at four levels- family, community, institutions and governments.”
“Children are vulnerable and not mature in levels of thinking and decision making, therefore they need to be provided rights of their survivals, development, protections and participation,” Sr Pramila stated.
To create awareness, a total of 32 child participation groups are formed under the guidance of Sr Geeta Lakra. The groups “promote child rights to enjoy their childhood, to develop potentials, to defend their rights, to serve children, community and disadvantaged groups, to participate in decision making and to promote children’s rights.”
The resource persons, Adv Priya Shyam in her speech said that “Childhood in India is not only painful but is dealt with utter insensitivity. Children are stolen, abused, threatened, and trafficked.” She also stated that government has passed many laws for the development of the children. Speaking on the theme, ‘There is a voice within’ Jacqueline Jennifer said that the inner voice has a power and encouraged the gathering to listen to the inner voice.
