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WORKSHOP ON CHILD RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Workshop on child rights and protection of children

Sonada, April 6, 2025 -  Two awareness camps on child rights and protection of children were organized on 06 April,  2025 at Lower  and Upper Cedar, villages situated  about 9 k.m from Salesian college,  Sonada. The Youth Department of the college in collaboration with Project Missio undertook the organization of this all important and very significant knowledge sharing camp.

 

The event was attended by approximately 50 participants - men, women, boys, girls, and children. The workshop at Lower Cedar began at 9:00 am with introductory words by Fr. Clement Lakra, the Youth Animator, who also welcomed the resource person, Sr. Claret Lepcha SJC, an expert in the field of child rights with over 25 years of dedicated service and experience and currently working as the Chairperson of  Child Welfare Committee of the government of W. Bengal, Darjeeling-Kalimpong district. The session at Upper Cedar was held in the afternoon.

 

Sr. Claret presented a comprehensive interactive session covering the fundamental rights of children, the various forms of violence they face, and emphasized the importance of the law of the land, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)  in safeguarding these rights. Sr. Claret also discussed the pivotal role of community in preventing child abuse at the village and individual levels. The programme concluded at 4:45 pm with a feedback session, where the majority of the participants expressed their appreciation for  the very informative and much relevant session.

 

Mr. J.B Rai, a parent representative from Lower Cedar expressed his sentiments at the end of the session stating, “This is really an important session for all, especially for the parents as we become aware of the possible dangers our children are constantly exposed to.  This type of programme should be organized often.” Pari Chetri, a girl from Lower Cedar also shared her feelings, “It was very informative as it helped to become aware of our rights. We need to stay alert always.”

 

The programme concluded with the distribution of snacks, and the participants were happy to be informed and conscientized on the rights of the children.

Cl. Clement Lakra SDB