If children are great imitators then educating them about child rights so that they can enlighten others is the greatest thing that can be given them to imitate.
As hundreds of children took part in an event organised on International Child Rights Day and learned about rights deemed necessary for their growth, some vowed to make others aware of these rights. The event was organised by State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).
As many as 700 children on Wednesday, mostly from Government primary and middle schools gained knowledge of rights not only enshrined in the Constitution but also promised by successive Governments at different points of time. “I was not aware of what rights I am entitled to and what to expect from the government. I have learned a lot about my rights as a child and will try to educate people in my locality and even back in native place in Bihar,” said Punam Kumari, a student of Rajkiyakrit Madhya Vidyalaya, Police line.
The day also known as UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) day was celebrated with the goal of spreading awareness about child rights however it did highlighted the gap between rights enjoyed by students studying in a government and government aided school. “The function was indeed an eye opener for me. At end of the day I can say that we are better placed in terms of rights compared to a purely run and operated government school,” said Mohammed Khalid of Idrisiya Tanzeem.
Interestingly, children while realizing what is important in terms of rights were provided with some valuable inputs about ways to achieve the same. Many children were made aware of elections and its importance in helping them realizing their rights. “We will try to prepare a wish-list that will reflect the aspirations of children and their rights. We would like the political parties to include child rights in their manifesto which has never been done before,” said Media and Communication Coordinator, Save the Children Ankush Singh.
Significantly, Minister HRD Geetashree Oraon stressed on a better future of a child through better rights and made an appeal to all stake holders to provide a better environment for a better future. “Children are the future of the nation. How can we imagine a better nation without securing a child’s future,” said Oraon.
Incidentally, the two-day programme will tomorrow focus on children who have been victims of child abuse and were rescued by different non-Government organisations.