
There is a voice within
Dimapur, February 25 (MExN): Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and National Domestic Workers Movement – Child Right Movement celebrated ‘Day of Hope’ on February 25 in Assisi hall, Lakeview colony with the aim of “bringing justice to children domestic workers and labourers and those children who have no hope or platform.” The day was celebrated with the theme “There is a voice within” and it is celebrated in ACID and NDWM-Child Right Movement since 2013.
“It was created to help break the silence surrounding the death of babies and children,” said a press release received here. The day also marks to celebrate and to “bring hope to the hopeless, voice to the voiceless, love to the loveless, care for the uncared, and to become the channels of love, peace and joy to the people around and specially to those children who are deprived of this all.”
Rev. Sr. Benny Fernandes, Vice Provincial of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation who was the chief guest of the programme in her inaugural message said, “We are in the 21st century and we have reached to a world that is ‘Right based.’ To receive rights and justice there is a continuous struggle for freedom. We need to defend the basic human rights for all children, the right to survival, to develop to the fullest, protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation and to participate fully in family.”
Sr. Pramila, State coordinator for NDWM and Director of Assisi Centre for Integrated Development told the participants that it is time to change our attitude, to bring hope and guidance for children who are in domestic work and ensure every children below the age of 18 to maintain their rights to enjoy their childhood happiness regardless of creed, colors, races and religious statues in her welcome speech.
Resource person Loza, Coordinator for CHILDLINE explained in detail the rights of the children and informed that in Nagaland 60 to 70 children are reported in a year as per Dimapur Childline.
Nikita, District Legal Panelist highlighted mainly on the legal provisions that are available for the children. She pressed upon the importance of education till the age of 14 and also the need to be aware of Child Helpline No 1098 and also Women Helpline 181.
Child Right Movement representative, Vicky Sharma put forward the plight of children in Nagaland- “To express the concern, dreams, voice and wishes for the safety and protection. To raise voice that is within them hidden, against all kinds of abuses and exploitation towards the little ones in the society.”
It was also informed that CRM Coordinator Sr. Jobina till today has formed 20 Child Participation groups in and around Dimapur with the aim of identifying those children who are deprived of their rights and to promote a platform to bring forth the hidden capacities and abilities.
GB of Lake View Colony, I Meren Jamir expressed gratitude for organising the programme and called upon the parents, children and likeminded people to work together for the betterment of the society. He also said, “Our Children are our Hope so we need to give them Hope for the future.”