Ravi ( name Changed), Child Leader from Bihar; earlier a Child Labour and a drop-out, now goes to school. He sings a motivating song to the audience, “ padhbo re bhai ..likhbo re bhai” emphasiszing the need for education.”

“Many Children work for the textile industry. The children from the Marginalised community are the worst sufferers. They are discriminated everywhere and become the victim of exploitations. These children should be free from all sorts of violence, abuses, and exploitation” says Priya (Name changed) Child Leader from Tamil Nadu.

Caritas India organised its first National Conclave of the Child Leaders on Labouring Childhood in Kolkata from seven states of India, namely, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi and Tamil Nadu and from Nepal on the 17th of February 2020.

This Conclave provided a platform for community representatives, policymakers, CSOs, INGOs to discuss the current situation of child labour, policy environment, challenges and good practices relating to the elimination of child labour through discussion and interaction with Child Leaders.  A two-day Capacity Building workshop for Child Leaders was organized for the Child Leaders on concepts of Leadership, Child Rights and Children’s Parliaments /Clubs followed by the National Conclave on Day 3rd. The Capacity building workshop created an open space discussion for child leaders to deliberate on issues concerning them and develop a charter of demand themselves through discussions.

The National Conclave was a live example of a child-led platform wherein the Child Leaders conducted the programme through Compering the entire Conclave, sharing their testimonies, presenting skit designed by them and sharing the stage as panelists with other renowned panelists.

The National Conclave started with the Child Leaders presenting the National Anthem through Sign Language.

Fr.Jolly, AED, Caritas India delivered the Key Note Address and said; “ Treating every human with dignity is one the main catholic social teachings. However, it is not being taken seriously when we see that children’s right are violated in many which ways in the world. Child Labour is one among them.” He further highlighted the various forms of child labour existing across States and how prevalent child labour is an outcome of socioeconomic poverty.

Fr.Dominic Gomes, Vicar General Archdiocese of Kolkata expressed his gratitude to the Child Leaders present. “Each of you should become a change agent in your own family, in your own locality, and let that be the beginning of New India. You all must Dream about becoming a better citizen, He urged”.

Pinky(Name Changed), Child Leader From Arunachal Pradesh shared how the Children in Arunachal Pradesh come from neighbouring state of Assam to work as Labour. Also, she said that the Childline is not functional in Arunachal Pradesh, hence urged the Govt. Officials to help make it functional.

Ananya Chakraborty Chairperson WBCPCR said, “Every out of school child is potential child labour”. The child industry is cheap, that needs strict laws and execution. Whatever and whichever laws are there, it may help us to align but education is the only means to eradicate child labour.”

Awareness of the society is required and there is a need to recognize the inherent dignity of every child.  Laws and Acts are implemented by the society for the betterment not for hampering, said Ms.Manisha Bhattacharya, DLC, Labour Dept. West Bengal.

A panel discussion was organized wherein Mr.Prasun Bhowmick, WBCPCR member, Mr.Joydev Majumdar, Director, JPISC, Fr.Wilson, Director ABCD forum, Mr.Sanjib Kundu, UNICEF, Mr.Rajesh Updhyay, HOD, Caritas India, Mr. Sangam Rai, Tea Estate Manager, Child Leaders from Bihar and U.P  were the Panelists.

Mr. Prabir Basu, CACL convenor, WB moderated the Panel Discussion.

“In my Village, most of the people are agricultural labour and they work in the field. They have got this thinking that their children should also help them in the field so that there can be additional income. Educating them will be of no use. But I feel, it is not necessary that a Farmer’s son/daughter should be a farmer, they can become a Teacher, Doctor, and Engineer. All they need is education,” said  Bindu, Child Leader from Bihar during the panel discussion.

Mr. Prabir  Basu ( CACL, WB, Convenor ) asked the child leaders during panel discussion that what is the message they would like to give to their friend who are child laborers, Ajay, ( name Changed), Child Leader from U.P said, “I would like to motivate my friends and tell them to join school and complete their studies. I would request their parents to let their sons/daughters live their childhood freely. There should be awareness sessions in the villages/towns and cities to sensitize parents on this issue.”

Mr. Basu requested Fr Wilson, Director ABCD; to explain what role does the Forum plays to stop child labour.

Fr Wilson shared that changing the mindset of people is one area where they are working on. “There are various platforms and opportunity for Forum to discuss these issues. The collaboration of CSOs and the Government to eliminate Child Labour is important. Civil societies play a greater role in influencing society. We all need to join hands together to create an impact.

The law should focus on not employing any child for the labour purpose”, he added.

Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay, HOD, Caritas India urged the children to understand the constitution of India and read the preamble. He also quoted Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s quote which is “Educate, Organise and Agitate! Education must always come first for the marginalised section of the society as they do not have their own land or any property, but education gives them power. Child Leaders should focus on their education and bring positive change in society by fighting all the odds”.

The Child Leaders also presented a 16-point charter of Demands on Child Labour prepared by them during the two days capacity building workshop to the Govt. Officials.  They also presented two skits prepared by themselves portraying the issues of  Child Marriage and Child Labour, especially in brick kilns.

The National Conclave ended by all guests present taking a pledge against Child Labour and signing a petition saying No to Child Labour.