Don Bosco Social Service Society, Devadurga, with the support of BREADS Bengaluru, organised a series of Makkala Grama Sabhas (Children’s Grama Sabhas) in December 2025 under the Education and Nutrition Promotion Programme “EDUCARE”, implemented through the Supplementary Education and Nutrition Programme. The initiative was held across four Gram Panchayats in Devadurga Taluk with the aim of promoting child participation, awareness of child rights and democratic engagement among school going children.
A total of four Children’s Grama Sabhas were conducted, covering seven Learning Activity Centres in the villages of Alkod, Bumanagunda, Gopalapur, Anjula, Jerbandi and Yarmasal. Altogether, 269 children took part in the Sabhas, representing different government schools and communities.
The programmes were facilitated by Shri Bhagvantharaya, Coordinator, Supplementary Education and Nutrition Programme, Don Bosco Social Service Society, Devadurga. He guided the children through interactive sessions on child rights and responsibilities, helping them understand the importance of expressing their needs and concerns in a democratic forum. The sessions encouraged children to speak with confidence and clarity about the challenges they face in their schools and surroundings.
During the Grama Sabhas, children raised several important issues affecting their education and wellbeing. These included the lack of safe drinking water, shortage of teachers, insufficient sports materials, absence of fans and lights in classrooms, limited plates and glasses for mid day meals, poor classroom infrastructure and the need for school compounds and toilets. Children collectively appealed to the concerned authorities to include these basic requirements in Gram Panchayat planning and to take timely action.
To make the meetings engaging and child friendly, activities such as quizzes and drawing competitions were organised, allowing children to participate creatively and confidently.
The Makkala Grama Sabhas created a meaningful platform for children to be heard and respected. The initiative strengthened child participation, improved awareness among local authorities about school level needs and reinforced accountability towards children’s rights. Through this effort, Don Bosco Social Service Society, Devadurga, with the support of BREADS Bengaluru, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education, dignity and holistic development of children in rural communities.
