Pre-Chirstmas joy for the underprivileged

SHILLONG: In a first, the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with State Child Protection Society (SCPS), the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Integrated Child Protection Schemes (ICPS) organized a pre-Christmas celebration exclusively for children living in government and private-run children’s homes in Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi.
The theme of the event, which was held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium here on Thursday, was, “Christmas, my child, is love in action”.
Children from East and West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills converged and mingled together at the venue which had lot on store for them.
Addressing the gathering Social Welfare Minister Deborah C Marak said this pre Christmas celebration is a platform for children to interact with each other and share their experiences. Congratulating the department for such an initiative, Marak mentioned the exemplary work done by it in the protection and welfare of children in the State.
She also talked about the Central and State schemes being implemented by the Department and how it has benefited the children.
“The ICPS has significantly contributed to the care and protection of the needy children,” she added.
H.M. Shangpliang, Director Social Welfare Department, pointed out that “like other children these kids too need all the care and protection.”
Commissioner Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, T. Dkhar said that the government and other charitable missions have set up children’s home with an aim to protect the rights and entitlements of the children.
He said that the government is working hard towards strengthening the effectiveness in the functioning of these homes and institutions and as citizens “we are duty bound to ensure that the children are well taken care of”.
On the occasion, Meritorious Awards and Disciplined Children’s Awards were distributed by Chief Guest, Marak and other officials.
Among the attendees were Theilin Phanbuh, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women, Meena Kharkongor, Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Anup Singh, Director of SOS and others.