SHILLONG/NONGSTOIN: While Children’s Day is celebrated in schools across the country with a large number of children participating and enjoying, there are those who are underprivileged, distressed and deprived who do not even know what Children’s Day is.
Thus on the occasion of Children’s Day, the District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with SPARK – Bringing Light to Lives, Meghalaya, organised a special programme for underprivileged children of Mawlynrei village and Bara Bazaar slum at Trishnong in Mawlynrei.
The programme aimed to make the day special for these children and to provide them with a platform to enjoy their childhood.
The programme centered on the theme ‘Lets ensure a healthy childhood to every child’.
DS Marbaniang, secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Khasi Hills attended the programme as the chief guest. In his address, Marbaniang explained to the children about the significance of the day and encouraged them to strive towards a better future through knowledge and education.
He also spoke about the importance of a healthy relationship between parents and children and proper guidance which plays an essential role in the lives of every child.
Others who were present included M Rapsang and I Phawa, both DLSA advocates who spoke about child rights and the Juvenile Justice Act.
S Mawrie, incharge, DLSA, interacted with the children and acquainted them on different issues.
Later, a cake was cut in honour of every child which was followed by a cultural programme including a variety of games and distribution of gifts.
More than 90 underprivileged children participated in the programme.
Meanwhile, the office of the Child Protection Unit, West Khasi Hills in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority and Child Line organised a Children’s Day programme at Bishop Hall in Nongstoin.
The programme was attended by children from different orphanages, children’s care and after care homes in West Khasi Hills.
A Ripnar, District Session Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority attended the programme as the chief guest and spoke about various acts protecting children from child labour and early marriage.
Ripnar also spoke about children’s rights to education and called upon the children to work hard in becoming model citizens.
Other who spoke during the programme included W Shabong, District Child Protection Unit who delivered the welcome address.
A number of skits and musical numbers were performed by the children while B Chyne, in-charge of DCPU, Nongstoin delivered the vote of thanks.
Mawklot event
Children’s Day cum awareness seminar on child rights was also organised by the Student Christian Movement of India, NEI Zone 1 at John Roberts Theological College, Mawklot. Chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights M. Kharkongor was the resource person.
Speaking on the occasion, Kharkongor reminded that the first right of a child is the right to live. Laws including POCSO Act are laid down to protect the rights of children, she said,
The function was chaired by L. Lyngdoh, staff adviser and it was attended by the students and teachers of Dr. Homiwell Memorial Secondary School of Mawklot Presbyterian Secondary School, children of Lawei Baphyrnai apart from the SCMI members and staff guides from all the units and some faculty members of the John Roberts Theological Seminary.
