Speak out to save childhood

BANGALORE: “It was a struggle to reach school. Travelling 15 kilometres from our village was no mean task. Poor bus facilities forced us to take private auto rickshaws, which is unaffordable. Our Children’s Collective discussed the issue with the concerned officials. We held meetings and protests to voice our demand. Today three buses have been sanctioned on the route”, says Nagendra Kumar from Madhuvati village of Kolar district. “In our village there was a High School but no building. Standard 1 to 5 were held in one classroom. Some classes were held out in the open. Our Children’s Collective took this up with the education officials, the District Sessions judge and Collector. I am happy to say funds have been sanctioned for the building,” says Yellapa from Navalkal Village of Raichur District.“I have a speech and hearing problem. My teachers were never supportive. The school refused me permission to take the 10th standard exams as they felt a poor result may affect the school’s record. The Children’s Collective discussed the issue and we decided to write to Nina Nayak, Chairperson, Child Rights Commission. I am happy to share that the school was directed to allow me to take the exams.” says Vasanata from kabburu village, Davengere district.These are the voices of children who shared their stories of success and struggle — of how they have ensured change in their own lives and in the communities they live in by demanding their rights to live, learn, grow and play. On a day designated to celebrate the Indian child, Child Rights and You (CRY) hosted an open forum for children whose voices are rarely heard, to speak out on issues that affect them the most - their rights.The event was the culmination of the ‘Celebrate Childhood, Celebrate Children” activities organised by CRY in Bangalore, which began with the launch of the ‘Celebrate Childhood’ Pinwheel badge by India’s leading wicket taker Anil Kumble earlier this month, and the ongoing awareness-raising street theatre festival, Bol Jamoore. At the press event held at United Theological College (UTC), children representing a number of Children’s Collectives in Karnataka spoke about their achievements and also pointed out the key factors required in creating an effective education system based on free, fully-functioning government schools that provide quality education to all children in India.Regina Thomas, Regional Director, Child Rights and You (CRY), says, “Children Collectives give children the opportunity to connect with one another, understand the environment and the many struggles that they face, and to ultimately create solutions to address their own challenges. Our experience is over three thousand five hundred children’s collectives and we have helped form and nurture across the country reveals that once children understand and view themselves as right holders, they come together to voice their demands and fight for their rights.”