The fortnight long campaign on ‘Convention of Child Rights’ organised by UNICEF in partnership with Government of Chhattisgarh ended here on Friday after a daylong open for all workshop for children on developing comics and theatres performances by children from juvenile and observation homes in the state.
Inaugurating the day long workshop and the comics’ exhibition Dinesh Srivastava, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Chhattisgarh said that every child has the right to progress and nothing in the world can stop the child from learning and progressing in life.
He said that the State government is striving towards building an enabling environment for children.
More than 400 children from across the State participated in the workshop and developed comics on issues related to them. The children from various schools along with observation homes and juvenile homes shared their experiences and aspirations in the form of comics.
Sharad Sharma, Founder of World Comics India said that comics as a medium is an effective tools in bringing children’s thoughts on paper.
Speaking on the occasion Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Office for Chhattisgarh said that “the campaign provided an opportunity for children who are often neglected and marginalised to express themselves and share their dreams with the outside world.”
He said that it is the responsibility of the every citizen to support children to realize their rights and progress to their fullest potential.
Amitabh Panda, Director cum Commissioner, Directorate of Economics and Statistics was also present on the occasion.
As part of the campaign, a ‘Children Parliament’ was also organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
More than 40 children from various Government schools submitted the referendum to Amitabh Panda, Director cum Commissioner, Directorate of Economics and Statistics and Shammi Abidi, Director – SSA and Rajiv Gandhi Siksha Mission.
Speaking on the occasion Panda said it is also the responsibility of the children to uphold their rights and also sensitize people around them on child rights.
Abidi shared the details of various government schemes to increase access to education for children especially for girls.
The campaign also highlighted the importance of birth registration and routine immunization in the State and was successful in reaching people in every nook and corner of the state.
About twenty vehicles spread messages on birth registration and routine immunization across the state. People also pledged their support for children.
During the 15-day campaign facilitated by UNICEF in collaboration with Department of Women and Child Development, children in various observation and juvenile homes were trained on developing comics and theatre.
The children used the opportunity to express and discuss their concerns and issues through both the mediums. Children trained in the mediums performed and exhibited their plays and comics here today.