The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and CHILDLINE Kochi in collaboration with Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan, Palluruthy, Kochi celebrated Children’s Day on 9 November 2019. The event also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) with the participation of 1000 children from south Kochi in a campaign to prevent all kinds of child rights violations and promote a child-friendly society.
The Children’s Day celebration was centred on the theme- ‘My childhood: my responsibility’; focussed on educating the children on their responsibilities even as they enjoy their rights. The event was inaugurated by Ms. Soumini Jain- Mayor, Kochi in the presence of Mr. M.P Antony- the Child Rights Commission member, 250 volunteers and 1000 children. Several programmes, cultural events and games were organised, especially for the underprivileged and poor children from the city. The event was a most-awaited one for the children from south Kochi, who actively participated in the programme. The event gave the poor children from the backward communities and slums, an opportunity to celebrate, to dance, enjoy and have fun. Ms. Soumini in her inaugural speech addressed the theme and sensitised the children on their rights, the need to stand up for rights and on their responsibilities that come along with their rights. She inspired the children to access their rights completely and illustrated their rights and duties with real life examples. Mr. M.P Antony- the Child Rights Commission Member in his felicitation speech, stressed the importance of three words- ‘vidyabhasam, vishramam and vinodham’ meaning ‘education, rest and leisure’ respectively. The children were presented with free kits at the end of the event and the programme concluded with lunch.
