Moulding Leaders of Child Rights

Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama, Ajjanahalli, Ramanagara district organised a two-day leadership training for the leaders of child rights clubs on 4 and 5 October 2019. The leadership training was organised for 40 elected leaders from the newly-formed child rights clubs under the CREAM project in Ramanagara district. The objectives of the training were to develop leadership qualities, life skills, a strong will to advocate for the rights of children and a deep concern about the atrocities committed against children and women. The two-day training was inaugurated by Fr. Maria Julian sdb, Rector, Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama, Ajjanahalli by watering a plant along with the participants.

After the inaugural ceremony, the children were divided into two groups and the responsibility of preparing a timetable was vested in the participants under the guidance of camp mentors. Children discussed and chalked out the timetable very carefully; equally allotting time for learning and exposure. It was followed by a class on ‘harmony with nature’ by Mr. Ravi, Coordinator, CREAM project, Ramanagara. The post-lunch session was taken by Ms. Shilpa, social activist, introducing the basic rights of children with reference to the UNCRC 1992.  A little time was found for leisure and fun when the children were taken to Revanna Siddeshwara Betta (mountain) for rock climbing, trekking and to spend some time with Nature. Ms. Soubhagya, social activist, took a session on the formation of Chid Rights Clubs (CRC), roles and functions of each member in the club and the ways to initiate advocacy actions to seek changes and development in schools and the community at large. Thereafter, Mr. Kalleshappa, Social Activist conducted a debate for the children on the use of mobiles among children. The session intended to develop speaking skills, listening skills, reasoning, ability to perceive statements from different perspectives, thinking skills and the ability to logically structure ideas and statements. In the evening, children performed various cultural events and ended the first day of the residential training with a camp fire.

The second day began with yoga and meditation led by Ms. Sudha, tuition teacher; enhancing the concentration, calmness and relaxation of the children’s minds. Thereafter, the CRC leaders introduced to the Special Grama Sabha for children. Ms. Rajini, social activist, explained in detail about the power of the special grama sabha for children and how children can influence the planning and developmental activities in their respective villages. The final sessions, handled by Mr. Ravi and Mr. Kalleshappa taught children the qualities of leaders, writing memorandums to government departments, and 1098-CHILDLINE. During the sessions over the two days, party games and animated outdoor games were conducted for the children. The two-day residential training was concluded with Fr. John Peter sdb, Project Director, CREAM, Ramanagara Dt. The children were thanked and appreciated for their active participation and especially for skillfully designing their own timetable.