Don Bosco Child Labour Mission, Davanagere
Empowerment of Community for Child Labour Eradication in – Project Jagaluru
The World Against Child Labour Day (WACLD) was observed with great enthusiasm and commitment in Huchangipura Jagalur taluk, Davanagere district on 19 June 2025. The event was organised by the Don Bosco Child Labour Mission (DBCLM) and BREADS as part of ongoing efforts to empower the community to eradicate child labour in Jagalur. Totally, 250 students and 17 staff members participated in the programme.
The day began with a vibrant rally and awareness march inaugurated by Mr. P.T. Rudresh, President of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC), GHPS, Huchangipura. The rally, featuring powerful slogans and display of placards, passed through the streets of Huchangipura to raise awareness on the issue of child labour. Snacks and juice were distributed to all at the end of the rally.
Mrs Marka Hanumanthappa (GP President) inaugurated the awareness and cultural programme, in the presence of several distinguished guests from the gram panchayat and the DBCLM management, and children. Emphasising the importance of child rights and education. Fr. Regi Jacob urged parents to avoid child labour and child marriage, and to report dropouts through Childline 1098. Mr. B.T. Venkatesh (GP member) emphasised that school dropouts are still a leading cause of child labour, calling for a united response from parents and community stakeholders.
Students Kumari Chandana and Master Sharath spoke with conviction, sharing their dreams of a childhood and future, free from labour, and appealed to the community to act when children are seen working. Mr. P.T. Rudresh, appreciated the consistent efforts of the Don Bosco team and recommended regular parent-teacher meetings to foster accountability. Mr. Heerallappa, GHPS Headmaster, highlighted parental negligence as a barrier to learning and pledged support in identifying and referring vulnerable children to the DBCLM team.
Two cultural performances by the GHPS students reinforced the anti-child labour message through artistic expression. Finally, the programme concluded with a solemn oath-taking ceremony where all students and staff pledged to combat child labour and support children’s right to education for a better and brighter future.
