United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) articles 12, 13 and 15 recognize the basic rights of children by delineating the importance of promoting participation. Putting this idea into practice and exploring the true potential of children, Regional Inclusive Children Parliament was introduced for young children aged between 6 – 18 years.

Caritas India’s partners Anugyalaya Darjeeling Diocese Social Service Society and Seva Kendra Siliguri, organised the Regional Inclusive Children Parliament (RICP) for Darjeeling and Siliguri Subdivision in West Bengal, on 20th May 2022.

The event was held at Hayden Hall Darjeeling. Master Alvin and Miss Isneha Minj, child leaders from Darjeeling and Siliguri, anchored this exhilarating event themed “Beautiful Minds”.

The event attempted to draw attention to various issues affecting younger generations including child labour, child abuse, child marriage, girl child education, child trafficking and so on. Using Theatre in Education (TiE) as a platform, the participant children provoked critical ideas of questioning the authority and demanding accountability.

Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Gorai IPS, Ritesh Pokhrel Chairperson Darjeeling Municipality, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ashish Subba, District Child Protection Officer, Darjeeling,  Pritaya Chhetri, newly formed Child Welfare Committee Chairperson, Trishna Gurung were the key government officials who attended the programme. Among other esteemed guests, Peter Seidel from Cartias Germany was also present at the event.

Soon after the felicitation, children performed a traditional welcome dance followed by a theatrical extravaganza  on child abuse titled “Kio mauka nahi hum mai … jemmedari hun mia teei (I am a responsibility than an opportunity?)

Speaking to the congregation, Sandeep Gorai IPS termed the minds of young children as “free” and “uncorrupted” which are vital traits for solving problems. Congratulating the participant children on their performance, he assured full support from his department to protect children and keep them safe from any harm.

“Theatre in Education (TiE) with the support from National School of Drama, has provided a platform for children to engage with duty bearers,” shared Nikhil Kumar, Thematic Lead Child Development, Caritas India. He appreciated the children collectives and thanked Caritas Germany for providing their crucial support and encouraging innovative solutions through the participation of children. “For a holistic development of children we would like to introduce other activities as well including theatre, dream exercises, child journalism and much more,” added Nikhil.

Peter Siedel asserted the importance of “dignity and self-respect” for inducing self-confidence in children. Contending the need for participation of children he lamented the upcoming ecological challenges awaiting the future generation. “Giving them a chance to participate in solving problems is vital and I am happy to see this,” he added. “Caritas Germany initially joined this initiate of abolishing child labour in Kalimpong along with Bal Suraksha Abhiyan and then slowly moved to Anugyalaya Darjeeling later Siliguri and Kolkata,” shared Peter. He appreciated the government stakeholders for taking the onus and coming forward to address the issue of child labour.

Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ashish Subba expressed his admiration on children’s performance which showcased the evils of child labour. He encouraged children to spread awareness about the menace of child labour and child abuse. He also assured full support from the department in the fight against child labour.

“Today I pledge and on behalf of my department, that I will ensure full support and cooperation in working towards the elimination of child labour in Darjeeling District.”.

Caritas India’s fight against Child Labour has been assisted by the crucial support of Pritaya Chhetri from the Darjeeling District Child Protection Unit and Trishna Gurung from the District Child Welfare Committee.

The programme ended with a joint pledge of all the participants against child labour in all its forms led by Master Alvin Tamang Prime Minister of Regional Inclusive Parliament (RICP) and Isneha Minj.

Caritas India and Partners together are committed to building a caring and sharing community with the children and for the children.