Ranchi, Jharkhand | November | 12, 2022 :: To kick start Children’s Day programme & the Child Rights Week, which is being celebrated from 14-20 Nov, UNICEF in collaboration with the Speaker’s Office organized a samvad with the Honourable Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Shri Rabindra Nath Mahto and a learning visit of children to the Vidhan Sabha.
On this occasion, 20 UNICEF Adolescent Reporters from 7 blocks of Ranchi district, met with the Hon’ble Speaker and interacted with him on various issues impacting children’s lives in the state. Ms Astha Alang, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand and NBJK representatives were also present during this event.
Addressing the Adolescent Reporters, the Hon’ble Speaker said, “Childhood is something that can and should be protected. Children have the right to live, develop, be safe, and have a say in how their lives are formed. Child rights are the cornerstone of establishing a strong human rights culture and act as a safeguard for future generations. It is extremely significant as children are typically more susceptible to abuse, violence from others, harshness, and ignorance.”
He further said, “If children are given a supportive environment for psychosocial development and their rights are appropriately safeguarded, they are more likely to grow up to be physically and mentally healthier and have higher levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. Government is concerned and aware about children’s problems and challenges in the state and taking all steps to address these issues. But only the government’s efforts alone can’t bring change. We all need to come together and join hands for the cause of children and solve the problems children are facing in the state. I am sure with everyone’s effort we can provide an enabling environment for children to get better education, nutrition, health facilities and protection in the state.”
Ms Astha Alang, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand said, “This is really a rare opportunity for the Adolescent Reporters to meet with the Hon’ble Speaker ahead of the Child Rights Week and interact on the issues impacting their lives. We are thankful to the Speaker’s Office for providing children with such a platform which increases their confidence and motivation to do more for child rights. The Child Rights Week provides a chance to create meaningful engagement opportunities for children and young people to advocate for children’s rights, tell their stories, and participate in decision-making processes. These children have been working around child rights issues in their communities. As vocal advocates of child rights, the Adolescent Reporters have prevented countless child marriages, rescued children from child labour and helped them enrol in school. They are committed to bring change in children’s lives in the state by creating more awareness and actions around child rights.”
During the interaction, three Adolescent Reporters shared their success stories with the Hon’ble Speaker. Anamika Kumari, a student of grade 7 from govt school, Itki talked how she stopped child marriage of her friend. Similarly, Trisha Kumari, from govt school, Angara and Laxmi Kumari, Class 8 student from govt school, Ormanjhi, shared their story how they rescued children from labour and enrolled them in school.
This Child Rights Week, UNICEF is calling on partners and supporters to share a positive message of equality and inclusion for every child.
