Leadership training for CRC leaders at Ramnagara

As CREAM II aims to empower children to voice for their rights through right based interventions and approaches, the CRC leadership training was organized as a step to meet this goal on 6^th and 7^th October 2018 at Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama Ajjanahalli, Ramanagara district. There were 127 young, potential and efficient leaders from different clubs gathered for the CRC leadership training. The two days CRC leadership residential training focused to enhance the leadership qualities and knowledge on child rights.

The residential training paid attention to make the training resourceful and knowledgeable to children as well as incorporated fun activities, games and competitions to give space for relaxation. As children are highly potential and bombarded with energy, sessions were prepared to capture and enhance their energy and potential towards the cause. The two days residential camp began with a formal inauguration where Fr. Julian, Rector Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama, Ajjanahalli inaugurated in a unique way by watering a plant. Two children from the club joined the inaugural ceremony representing the CRC leaders. The ceremony was highlighted by the presence of Fr. Siju, Administrator, Fr. John Peter, Director, Don Bosco, Yuva Marg and Mr. Halerangappa, teacher, Government school, Suggenahalli. The CREAM staff took remarkable effort to organize, coordinate and to even insight children on child rights and advocacy through resourceful sessions.

The camp began with an ice breaking session to create a smooth, at ease environment for children. Thereafter the sessions were followed for children to impart new knowledge on child rights, gender equality and environment conservation. The resource persons for the two days programs were Fr. John Peter, Ms. Pushpavati, CREAM social activist, Bro. Francis and Bro. Devaraj from Kristu Jyoti College Bangalore, Ms. Pushpalatha, social activist CREAM project, Mr. Muthuraj, Coordinator CREAM project, Mr. Kalleshappa and Mr. Lokesh, social activists. During the training conducted in two days, the children were exclusively trained on child rights, its objectives, existing government mechanisms for the protection of children, the process of childline, gender equality, formation and purpose of eco club, children’s Grama Sabha, advocacy actions and leadership qualities. The children were also taken for trekking to Siddeshwarabetta on the first day evening. The children had a new experience and enjoyed the activity at its fullest. The value based games and competitions conducted by Bro. Francis and Bro. Devaraj helped the children to take risks, face challenges, build their independence, resiliency and self-esteem in a safe, supervised and supportive environment.

On the second day, the federation meeting was organized through which the children were also introduced to the parliamentary system of election. The club president, vice president and the secretary for the federation was elected following the parliamentary model of election. The children elected Rakshitha Bai as the president of the federation, Karthik C as vice president and Rakshitha R as the secretary.

Children were motivated and encouraged to involve themselves in activities and initiate advocacy in their respective villages as they volunteered to speak out the issues directed against child rights. The positive approaches to solve the issues as responsible individuals were the great impact of the training observed on children. The training evaluation was done as children spoke about the two days experience, the new learning and the memorable moments captured through fun, games and activities. The training was concluded with a valedictory function at the end and children returned home contented and happy.