Dalit children in Bihar submit memorandum to the MLA demanding libraries in schools

In the Child Rights Week, as we celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the UNCRC, the Dalit Children from Bihar’s Rishi, Saday and Manjhi (Mahadalit) Communities submitted the Memorandum to Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) demanding libraries in schools. 

Under Caritas India’s Roshni-Suposhan Programme, which focusses on educational empowerment and nutritional improvements of the Mahadalit children and women, the Child Leaders marked the Children’s Day by organizing programmes in schools and liaising with local stakeholders across the seven districts of Bihar. Around 2000 children participated from seven districts and representatives from schools, Anganwadi, local political leaders, Block Resource Centre and PRI members participated to encourage the children and community.

Appreciating the efforts of Caritas India and its partners implementing the programme, Mr. Rajendra Prasad, Block Resource Centre committed to provide technical capacity building to the educators in teaching and learning methodologies.

Mr. Umesh Kumar, Headmaster of Kuchhila Primary School, Rohtas district, proudly shared that due to rigorous efforts of the project staff of Roshni-Suposhan Programme, none of the Dalit children in Kuchhila today is out of school.  Community and School teams took an oath to educate every child in Kuchila villages.

In Saharsa district, Mr. Arun Kumar, MLA; officials from Zila Parishad; PRI members and Ward members graced the celebration. The Child Leaders submitted the Memorandum to the MLA demanding library in the school campus and ensuring availability of books and reading materials in schools, allotment of new buildings/classrooms for studying and availability of teachers and ensure basic facilities in schools.

In Madhubani, Roshni ki Toli (adolescent girls’ collective) members participated in the celebration and shared their plan to dialogue for strengthening VLCPCs in their villages and prevent child marriages.

This day witnessed the celebration of children across the districts empowered to receive education, dialogue for their rights with relevant stakeholders, strengthening child participation at the local government level and embarking into their journeys of living rightful childhood.

Caritas India’s Roshni-Suposhan programme is being implemented with the support of Caritas Germany in the districts of Madhubani, Saharsa, Rohtas, Purnea, Araria, Munger across 87 Mahadalit tolas (hamlets), through the Diocesan partners and one secular partner, namely Prayas Gramin Vikas Samiti.