The Don Bosco Child Labour Mission (DBCLM) in Davanagere hosted an engaging Dasara camp on 3-4 October 2024 in Guru Bhavan, Jagalur, bringing together all the children from the residential bridge course and supplementary education programmes supported by BREADS. A total of 116 children, thirty-two staff members, and two interns took part in the camp. Centered on the themes of preventing child labour and child marriage, the camp was designed to raise public awareness while empowering children to champion their own rights.
In an uplifting inaugural ceremony, Fr. Regi Jacob (Director- DBCLM), outlined the exciting and enriching activities planned for the two days, while Fr. Devaraj passionately addressed the significance of children’s rights. Fr. Arun and the staff were also present. Mr. Manjunath led a session on the importance of children’s rights and the impact of child labour, while Mr. Manjappa conducted an interactive workshop addressing child marriage and child labour through engaging activities. The children enjoyed indoor games and an engaging cultural programme that promoted teamwork and creativity. A meditation session at the start of the second day helped the children find calm and focus and a street play by the DBCLM staff further illustrated child rights issues in an engaging manner.
As a finale, the DBCLM management, staff and children organised a sticker campaign—Eliminate Child Labour and End Child Marriage—to promote awareness about child marriage and child labour near the KEB circle, Jagalur. Prominent local stakeholders of Jagalur were also present: Mr. Syed Kaleemulla (Tahsildar and Taluk Magistrate), Fr. Silvester (Director- Prerna Social Service), Mr. Suresh Reddy (Director- Physical Education), Mr. Basavarajappa (ECO), Mr. Chidanandappa (President- Press Reporters Committee) and the local media. Mr. Kaleemulla stressed Jagalur taluk’s dedication to eliminating child labour and child marriage. The children and staff were divided into eight groups to distribute awareness stickers and educate shop owners and the local community, successfully reaching out to 200 shops. The shop owners were convinced to participate in the fight against child labour and child marriage by displaying awareness stickers and the child helpline number 1098 in their establishments.
The camp was a blend of entertainment, fun and games, creative activities, talent expression, opportunities for learning and sharing knowledge, as well as moments of spontaneity, sharing, and celebration. The children understood the detrimental effects of child marriage and child labour and were empowered to identify and take proactive measures for their prevention. Furthermore, significant collaboration and involvement from public officials, media and the local community in the campaign united all in support of this vital cause.
