Col. Kartik Thapa, VSM, Commandant of 22nd Assam Rifles, addresses the 3rd Annual Convention of AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on April 12.
AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur hosts 3rd annual convention to champion child rights
DIMAPUR, April 13 (MExN): The 3rd Annual Convention of AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur was held on April 12 at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Auditorium, bringing together over 550 participants under the theme “Voice for Every Child: Inclusion, Protection and Participation.” The event aimed to celebrate the progress of the Child Friendly Dimapur initiative since its inception in 2021 and strengthen collaboration between children, community leaders, and institutions toward building a child-friendly city.
Col. Kartik Thapa, VSM, Commandant of the 22nd Assam Rifles, Medziphema, graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Addressing the gathering, Col. Thapa emphasized the urgent need to ensure the safety, participation, and protection of every child. He praised the initiative for its transformative impact, saying, “The initiative is not only impactful but transformative as it had made a repel effect and strengthened the communities and created a sense of responsibility and care for the youngest and the brightest citizen.” He acknowledged the inclusive approach taken by AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur in tackling issues such as child labour, exploitation, and road safety, and called for continued efforts to build environments where “every child regardless of their background can thrive, learn and read.”
Nikito Zhimomi, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) of Chümoukedima, who attended as Guest of Honour, spoke on the critical role of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). He urged the community to act collectively to protect children’s rights, highlighting the role of families and institutions. “Are children truly safe within our schools?” he asked school administrators, stressing the importance of both emotional and physical safety. “We have systems in place. It’s our duty to uphold and strengthen them for the well-being of every child,” he added.
Neisavinuo Mor, Headmistress of Footprint Academy, highlighted the importance of listening to children and creating safe spaces, referencing findings from the Child-Led Survey conducted by Child Friendly Dimapur. She encouraged children to speak up, noting, “Children are the heart of every community, and ensuring their safety is a shared responsibility.”
The programme opened with a welcome address from Rev. Fr. Dr. Roy George, Executive Director of AIDA, who also felicitated the dignitaries. He reiterated AIDA’s mission to create enabling and nurturing environments across the region, stating, “Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, enabling and supportive environment to grow in full potentiality.”
Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator, shared an overview of Child Friendly Dimapur’s journey through a presentation highlighting key achievements. The event featured performances by Child Rights Club members from Evershine School, Angel’s Home Rehabilitation Center, Sangtamtilla, and Chümoukedima Ward 5. A dance performance by Kumtsu Kips and a speech titled “My Life as a Child Rights Facilitator” by Rhonbemo Lotha added to the celebration. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mechietonü Agnes from the Civil Society Organization.
