In a resounding celebration of Child Rights Week, Caritas India’s Surokhit Shaishav program, supported by BMZ and Caritas Germany, has left an indelible impact on the lives of children across West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. This year’s celebration, themed “For every child, every right,” resonates with Caritas India’s commitment to championing the rights of every child worldwide.

From the 14th of November onwards, Caritas India’s eight partner organizations in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam have embarked on a comprehensive week-long celebration for and with children. The culmination on 20th November, marking International Child Rights Day, highlights the dedication of Caritas India and its partners to create an environment where every child’s rights are honoured.

Partner organization Anugyalaya in Darjeeling, West Bengal, set the tone for Child Rights Week through a celebration with a difference. Collaborating with local pioneers of zero waste practices, Darjeeling Montessori House of Children School and St. Teresa’s Higher Secondary School, Anugyalaya showcased successful models of waste reduction and reuse. Focusing on the town’s cleanliness challenges exacerbated by tourist influx, the program aims to inspire zero waste practices in other schools and communities in Darjeeling.

Bal Sukshya Abhiyan Trust, active in Kalimpong, Alipuduar districts, and Siliguri, addressed critical issues during the Child Rights Week Celebration. Child club members presented a skit advocating “no war and violence in the name of religion and race” in front of elected Panchayet members. The team conducted sessions on the grim issue of child marriage, using interactive games to create awareness of the harmful effects of elopement and forced marriage at an early age.

Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, initiated the celebration across the three intervention blocks of Maharajganj district. The program involved village heads, school principals, teachers, and the police station in charge. Pledges were taken to make the village child-friendly, with discussions emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance. Children from various child clubs conducted sessions for their peers on maintaining health and hygiene regularly.

Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samity (SPMUS) in Murshidabad, West Bengal, kicked off the program in the presence of PRI members, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA workers, and child club leaders. Children from the child club participated in a cycle rally wearing Surokhit Shaishav program-branded T-shirts. Engaging in a sticker campaign, they created awareness against child labour, child marriage, and child trafficking in the local market area. The celebration also included a competition on stone art, bottle art, leaf art, and music.

Seva Kendra Siliguri’s team organized a week-long campaign on child protection in collaboration with DCPU in the Cachar and Karimganj districts of Assam. Starting with the celebration of Children’s Day at Konapara LP school, the program featured valuable discussions on child safety in schools and while crossing roads. The team inspired children to keep their surroundings clean and engaged in activities highlighting the works of DCPU, the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, and the activities of CWC, one Stop Centre, and VLCPC.

Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, in Birbhum, West Bengal, commenced the week-long celebration with specially-abled and orphaned children. The program, graced by Child Welfare Committee members, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit – Border Security Force Inspector-in-charge, PRI members, and Ms. Asha Rosaline Ekka from Caritas India, included a dance drama on child abuse and child labour. An interactive session with the Child Welfare Committee and the District Child Protection Unit followed, ensuring marginalized children receive educational support.

Seva Kendra Silchar’s team organized a week-long campaign on child protection in collaboration with DCPU in the Cachar and Karimganj districts of Assam. Starting with the celebration of Children’s Day at Konapara LP school, the program featured valuable discussions on child safety in schools and while crossing roads. The team inspired children to keep their surroundings clean and engaged in activities highlighting the works of DCPU, the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, and the activities of CWC, one Stop Centre, and VLCPC.

The celebration with children across the three states will continue for the entire week. The program not only empowers children to voice their issues and demands to various government bodies but also involves government stakeholders, encouraging the society at large to fight for securing the rights of every child. On 30th November 2023, Caritas India, along with the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights, will celebrate World Children’s Day at Mohorkunj, Kolkata. The event will honor and motivate brave child leaders from various Child Care Institutions, culminating in a proud moment as four child leaders under Surokhit Shaishav – Promoting Safe Childhood receive the Child Bravery Award – 2023 from the West Bengal Commission for Protection for Child Rights.