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Children Parliament
Child Welfare Programme - 2016
1.
Makkal Gram Sabha was organized by Vimukti at Pothnal Gram Panchyat:
VCT
Pothnal over 187 children from the eight villages that come under
the Pothnal Gram Panchayat limits participated in the “Makkala Grama
Sabha” (children’s gram sabha) at Government Primary school ground
Pothnal and demanded immediate intervention of officials concerned
in redressing their grievances. By successfully listing out problems
being faced by children, especially those living in rural areas,
these children became a role model for their counterpart in other
parts of the Taluka. Children raised their issues on child labour
child marriage, dropouts, drinking water, compound, playground,
teacher’s scarcity, electricity, toilets, cleanliness, library,
dilapidated class rooms and other related issues. The authorities
expressed their helplessness over sorting out the problems and gave
an oral assurance that in the next action plan of the Gram Panchyath,
some percentage of the funds would be utilized for children’s
welfare programs. Children were not satisfied with oral assurances;
the children sought an acknowledgement from the authorities for
having received their complaints and wanted them to fix a deadline
to solve the problems. The authorities told the children that they
would come back to them after presenting the issues before the
epartments concerned. Vimukti staff took great step to bring back
the dropouts and child laborers to schools. To achieve this, they
planned strategies like sensitizing the parents about child rights
and the importance of education.
 
 
2.
Campaign on girl education and early marriage issues:
With the help of District child protection unit the awareness was
conducted in the various schools and villages about the importance
of girl child education and the issues of early marriage. Many
school children and villagers participated in the program and
benefitted from this campaign.
3.
VOICE AGAINST CHILD LABOUR THROUGH COLLECTIVE APPROACH
“Child
labour” is often defined as work that deprives children of their
childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to
physical and mental development.
The literacy rate in Raichur district stands at a dismally low level
of 55%. But if one were to look at literacy rate of SC/STs
especially the girl children the situation is far worse. Most of the
SC/ST children drop out of the school and start working as child and
bonded laborers. After getting socially involved in whole of Manvi
Taluka, Vimukti has made aware that every child has a fundamental
right, right to education and other rights. Vimukti therefore has
totally dedicated towards literacy and education of children as a
part of a larger and integrated process of social, economic and
political change and empowerment of such children.
As an initial step the Vimukti team decided to launch campaigns,
with collaboration of education department at the panchyath level to
eradicate child labor. Vimukti appealed the E.O and BEO of Manvi to
send the circulars to all concern departments to observe June 12th
as World Anti-child Labor day in all schools as well as in public
places. It was a uphill task to Vimukti to create awareness among
parents, teachers, children, and other people, along with NGOs, and
government officials to join their hands to work together to root
out this prevalent social evil. Vimukti animators volunteered
themselves to join few schools in guiding and preparing the anti
child Labor Day’s celebration in a worthy manner. There were
positive results in making the day special. The school children took
active role in rallying in village streets carrying placards and
spreading the message of “akshara Kalisi, shale serisi” translated
as “Educate the children, enroll them in the school”. Efforts must
be appreciated for begging such a remarkable step. Definitely we
hope to see the good results of this hard work.
 
4.
Vimukti club children care for the environment:
 On
5th of June the world at large celebrates the World Environment Day.
The aim of this environment day is to raise awareness to protect our
mother earth from all evil hazards. There is a real challenge before
us as we have to tackle environmental issues like climate change,
global warming, human made disasters and outcomes, to give an end to
production of harmful substances or chemicals, proper environmental
governance, ecosystem management and natural resource sharing and so
on.
Keeping all this in mind VCT children parliament volunteered to live
more environment friendly in various ways especially by recycling
waste, campaigning to save wildlife, uniting to clean up streets in
the villages, by being kind to animals and birds, to learn and study
about nature and its components and generally to prove that together
they can bring some change in the area that they live in.
Our VCT children have chosen to avoid the path of cynicism and
apathy in this regard. They want to think green and act green and
they are making every effort to make their surroundings ever green.
To begin with, they have listed few things to put in practice in
their day to day lives especially they have decided not to waste
Electricity, Water, to avoid pollution by dirtying the open places,
to avoid damaging the public property, to avoid the use of plastic,
and in turn to plant and grow variety of saplings and to keep clean
neat an tide the environment.
 
5.
Vimukti Children Parliament organizes awareness rally in
Mudamaguddi:
 On
24th Wednesday 2015 VCT Children Parliament group organized an
awareness rally in Mudammaguddi village, on behalf of creating
awareness on growing infant mortality, violation of child rights,
child trafficking, child marriage, child labour, illegal adoption,
lack of quality education, and lack of health care, HIV infected
children and so on. The rally was begun from Mudammaguddi primary
school and they went through the prime areas of the village.
Hundreds of students participated in the rally, carried banners and
placards showing the importance of “promoting and Protecting child
Rights” to local people. The children also cried out loud the
slogans to protect the environment for a healthy living. The rally
was pre-planned under the leadership of Vimukti staff. The program
was held at the school auditorium. More than 358 students
participated in the rally and received assistance from the program.
Poor and dropout children were given free note-books, pencils, pens
and educational materials to mark this event.
6.
From child labour to the School:
Due to
the ceaseless effort of vimukti, 15 children of Dalits were brought
back from work to the school. There was much needed satisfaction and
immense joy as all the 15 children were admitted in the competent
schools. But there was also a bit of struggle to keep 6 children in
a hostel, who escaped twice, as they found difficult to live in a
different atmosphere. However, gradually we saw the changes in these
children and now they are comfortable and living happily in the
hostel.
7.
New dustbin is made available at Karabdinni School
Practically Karbadinni Government School had no dustbin in their
school compound, so the children used to throw the filthy and
wastage on the main road. As result the passersby had to cover their
nose due to bad stench and also notice the garbage everywhere on the
road. Children's parliament of that locality identified this issue,
discussed about this in their meeting and reported it to the school
headmaster. Surprised by the initiatives taken by the children, the
school administration board supported the children and engaged the
matter with Vimukti center. This great act was well appreciated by
Vimukti, further the children went around their village asking
villagers to contribute their share to buy the new dustbins. Thus
the parliament children effort was much applauded by everyone and as
the fruit of their labor the children have contributed 2 dustbins to
the school. Congrats dear children for the great work and the
initiative taken…..
  
8.
Children parliament members celebrate Teacher’s Day at Muddammaguddi
village:
Dear
loving Teacher, you are a source of inspiration and strength for
me...Children parliament members from Muddammaguddi village
celebrated Teachers day with great pomp and in a festive way. Mrs.
Arogyamma, Miss. Kavitha, Mrs. Anapurnswri, Mr. Ramanna, the school
teachers and student’s representatives were the chief guests of the
day were present on the dais. Children parliament president Sandesh
anchored the programme. The felicitation event began with the
lighting of the lamp followed by student representative’s speech. In
the speech Kiran the student representative said that the Teachers
play a vital role in forming the students to be responsible citizens
of tomorrow and leading them towards their brighter future. The
teachers make their students better human beings of the society. It
is impossible to imagine the students’ life without teachers. They
help the students to lay a strong foundation in building their
lives. We can never thank our teachers enough for their immense
share and might in a student’s life. Teacher's Day is especially
celebrated to show our love, reverence and acknowledgement for all
the efforts and hard work put in by our teachers towards our growth.
The Speech was followed by a cultural programme which consisted of
colorful varieties of performances by the talented students.
Venkatesh (5th std) and Sandesh (6th std), two lovely talented among
the children parliament enthralled the audience with their melodious
singing, Western dance and skit. As a sign of gratitude and love to
all the teachers mementoes were given away for their hard work and
wholehearted service. After the short felicitation, students of
class seventh arranged games for the teachers like musical chair and
treasure hunt. Later a number of teachers expressed their thoughts,
views and experiences addressing the gathering. At the end of the
programme the secretary of cultural committee gave vote of thanks
and thus overall this event was of a great success and memorable
one.
9.
Swacch Abhyan Campaign at karbdinni School
Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It is most necessary and important
part of our lives. We know the journey of a thousand mile starts
with a single step. Keeping this thought in mind the children
parliament team with the collaboration of school children conducted
cleanliness campaign to maintain the school environment clean, neat
and tidy. Moreover, number of students joined in this noble task
while cleaning the classrooms and the surrounding. Further, the
school children made a firm decision that they would keep their
surroundings ever clean. The objective of this campaign was to
realize the fact that action speaks louder than words and it is an
apt time to act upon rather than merely complaining. Accordingly the
child parliament had well planned and executed the cleanliness
program with the full-fledged co-operation and support of the school
children. We congratulate them for their initiative. Let the zeal
and the good spirit may ever continue in the mind and hearts of the
children and the team.
 
10.
Students enjoy visit to police station:
 Vimukti
child right clubs children visited Police Station on Thursday, 19th
November, 2015 to understand the functioning of the Police Station
as part of our Programme of Inquiry. Police Sub-Inspector Tippanna
spoke to the children about how a police station functions. Students
visited the control room, Jail, FIR room and other facilities at the
Police Station.
Initially the children were very serious when they entered the
Police Station, but when they interacted with Sub-Inspector Tippanna,
they found that the policeman are friendly and approachable. The
children even asked questions to Sub-Inspector Tippanna like how you
catch a thief, why you were khaki uniform, how the control room and
wireless works very effectively, etc and Sub-Inspector was very
happy to answer them. The Police officers also explained the
children the various responsibilities to provide safety for
communities and to protect the safety of individuals. A polceman
upholds the law, helps to protect personal property, and maintains
order. They also help children who are lost to find their parents,
and to know the various rights which are constituted by the Indian
government. The job of the policeman can be dangerous, as they are
faced with unpredictable situations daily. The policeman puts his /
her, own safety at risk every day in order to protect us. They may
work in police stations and are a visible, peace-keeping presence in
our communities. The children had also privilege to know about the
arms and ammunition like gun, pistol etc...
One of the primary things children learn on a police station field
trip is personal safety. They learned how to call 911 in an
emergency, ways to protect them and how to avoid dangerous
situations. Children also learn what happens when a person is
arrested, how police equipment works and how it helps officers do
their job. They learned about the duties of a police officer,
including those when he is on patrol and when he is at the station.
Field trips are also an effective way to reinforce book learning and
help children remember important information.
The Vimukti staff who accompanied these children thanked the police
department for spending their precious time with the children and
giving the important information about their life, duty and the
responsibility. On the whole it was a fruitful a day-out to Vimukti
club children. 98 children benefited from this program.
 
11.
Child right’s Club celebrated Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan at Jeenur
School:
 Vimukti
along with child right clubs Jeenoor celebrated swacch bharat
abhiyaan with much enthusiasm and fervor on Thursday. About 300
students participated and benefitted from this program.
 Taking this initiative a step ahead, students of Jeenoor have taken
the initiative beyond classrooms. Students were enthusiastic after
they cleaned their schools and were eager to step out to ensure that
the village is also maintained clean. They were explained about the
need to keep the surrounding clean, with the increasing number of
illness. Child right club children decided to create awareness
outside the school as well. Child right club children gathered and
walked from the school to their village, armed with brooms and
ensured that every nook and corner of the village was spic and span.
Children also spread the message of maintaining a clean surrounding
of the village. A session was conducted by Mr. Charlie Vimukti
animator by highlighting the need for hygiene but also taught ten
simple methods to clean and wash hands. This made the children more
enthusiastic about the whole process.
 
12.
Child rights club children took out AIDS and HIV awareness rally at
Mudammaguddi:
 Child
right club children from Muddammguddi, Organized HIV/AIDS awareness
rally on 16th of December 2015. The children took out a rally to
create awareness about AIDS and importance of hygiene among
villagers. The students walked in the lanes of the village and made
people aware about myths related to HIV and AIDS. The villagers also
appreciated the initiative and took active part in the informative
session.
Other than students, faculty of the school including Head master,
Mr.Basavraj, Mr. Subasha SDMC President, Vimukti Staff Mrs.Jecintha
and several others took part in the initiative. It is important to
mention here that child rights club children conducted a week-long
awareness, street play, cum informative drive in Muddammaguddi
village from December 11 to 15. Under the banner of Vimukti
charitable Trust, the aim behind the camp is to create awareness
about health, prevention from deadly diseases and hygiene among the
villages. On day one, AIDS and HIV awareness rally was taken out
while other events are schedule on other days. Students also educate
the villagers about their constitutional and voting rights during
the drive. Environment awareness, child abuse, child violation,
child labour, children rights and health awareness etc. children
also went in a procession spread the message of need for maintaining
cleanliness in the surroundings of residences.
 
Activities and Achievements of Children’s
Parliament at Pothnal 2013
Child Welfare
Programs
-
 The
Inauguration of Vimukti Children’s ‘Parliament’ and the Release of
the Book, “Vimukti Children’s Voice”
On 13th January 2013 the children of fourteen villages
arrived at the Vimukti premises at 9.30 a.m. various events and
competitions were organized on this day. First, there was the clay
model exhibition on science which was held at the Sneha Jyothi
School premises. A speech competition was also arranged. Many
children took active part and gave inspiring and thought provoking
speeches.
In the evening at 5.00, the cultural programme commenced. The Anugraha convent children invoked God`s blessings on the programme
through a prayer dance. Rev. Fr. Sathish Fernandes, the director of
Vimukti, with his introductory words brought to the notice of all
present that the programmes for the Vimukti children were done in
and through the help and support of the Ensemble Agissons.
 Mr.
Daniel Helbert, the President of Ensemble Agissons, France released
the Book: “Vimukti Makkala Dwani,” (“Vimukti Children’s Voice”).
This little book includes a lot of articles, poems, short stories,
jokes and other information. Mr. Daniel Helbert then inaugurated the
Children’s Parliament movement, and Mr. S.H. Kopparada the Taluka
E.O., inaugurated the other programmes that followed.
The children honoured Mr. P. Paramesh, the reporter of the “Suddhi
Mula” daily newspaper. Children who secured the highest marks in
S.S.L.C. (10th Std.) examinations, out of fourteen villages, were
honoured and given prizes. The children of the Vimukti children’s
parliament, Muddangudi, presented a drama on the children’s
parliament.
The Taluka Panchayath officer, Manvi, Mr. S.H. Kopparada spoke on
the holistic developmental programme undertaken by Vimukti in rural
areas for the children and appreciated it as a wonderful task and
initiative. The chief guest Mr. Shridhar Doddi the S.I. of Manvi
said that in rural areas very few raise their voices for the
children and their problems. However, Vimukti set an example to
others by making the children of the villages aware of their
talents, and helped them to grow up in many ways. Fr Jerald Lobo
O.F.M. Cap., the Administrator of the Karnataka Province, Bangalore,
drew the attention of all to the humble beginning of Pothnal church
and mission, and appreciated the present scenario, in spite of all
the hardships and struggles.
During the programme, the members of Ensemble Agissons were honored
and given a memento. Mr. Daniel Albert, the President, addressing
the gathering stated that “the children are the biggest and
important resources, and therefore a good future must be assured for
every child.” Mrs. Bernadette Helbert, Mrs. Jattiot Lilly, the vice
president, Fr. Santa Lopez, Fr. Robin Lopez, the Superior of Clara
Vihar, Pothnal, Rev. Sr. Nirmala, the Superior of Anugraha Convent
were on the dais. Dance competitions were held at 6.00 p.m. and at
last Mrs. Veronique, the member of Ensemble Agissons, France handed
over the prizes to the winners of senior and junior category
respectively. Mr. Jayasheela, the Vimukti coordinator conducted the
prize distribution. The Vimukti staff Mr. Arogyappa anchored the
programme. All the Vimukti staff members were also involved actively
and worked for the success of this event, which ended at 8.00 p.m.
-
Free the
Child Laborers: Voice from Children’s Parliament Members
“Education’s
purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one” - Malcom
Forbes
 Everyone has the right to education. Education should be free, at
least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education
is compulsory. Parents have the right to choose the kind of
education they should impart to their children. In this fast
technical world, poverty has increased. It seems that child labour
will not end in the near future in spite of 12% or 15% increase in
literacy. School drop-out ratio is also on the increase. In Raichur
district there are nearly 30,000 child labourers, who are children
in the age group between 8-14. They are working as daily wage
labourers or as children pledged to the debt of parents (bonded
labourers). Some work in factories, fields, and at their houses.
Their childhood aspirations and dreams remain buried in their
hearts . Such children do not get sympathy or tutelage from anyone.
They become victims of social disregard that makes them live in
misery. Children work at the cost of their health because they have
long hours
of work, slavery, lack of protection and continuous physical and
mental torture. The children are working in open fields under the
burning sun, plucking cotton, chilly, carrying mud, grazing cattle,
cuttings vegetation and doing the household works within the
framework of a kitchen. Children are working in manufacturing
process too. These children are concealed in the comforts and
luxuries of others. There is a total lack of conducive atmosphere at
work and total disregard for their right to education.
After a critical survey, Vimukti has taken an initiative in this
regard to promote universalization of primary education, freeing the
child labourers. This programme was taken up with the co-operation
of the children’s parliament members who organized the rally this
year in Udbal Village. All our club-children were present at this
rally. It began with a small in-put session. Carrying the placards
all marched through the main roads of Udbal. The Programme proper
was held at the Government higher primary school premises. 50
children were enrolled in the school of which 35 were regular and 21
are now enrolled in the primary school in various standards as per
their growth. The dignitaries on the dais greatly appreciated the
members of children’s parliament for their development work in
literacy, vocational skills, like tailoring and crafts, acting and
dancing etc,
-
Plant a Tree
Campaign
 Stephen Girard says: “If I knew I should die tomorrow, I would plant
a tree today.”
Trees are not only important to human beings they are also essential
for the very existence of any other species on the planet.
Unfortunately we are cutting down millions of trees every day
without giving a thought to replace them. “Plant a tree today and
save our planet” is
 a unique project Vimukti has initiated in and
around Pothnal, and the surrounding villages. Vimukti aims at
protecting the fragile environment by planting 2850 saplings over a
period of two years.
A campaign was organized at Sunknoor lower Primary school on 26th
and 28th July 2013 at Markamdinni Village by the Vimukti Charitable
Trust along with Children’s parliament members, to create an
awareness against the cutting down of trees and of the need to
preserve trees. ‘Plant a tree’ has been an extraordinary experience
for us. Vimukti has been able to see the joy of our children who
want to do something for the environment. To mark this event, nearly
960 saplings were distributed to various schools in Manvi Taluka.
-
Health
Check-up Camp:
 A free health checkup camp was held by the VCT here on 18th of
October 2013. Sr. Nirmala inaugurated the camp. She said that the
medical service is a noble one and the medical fraternity is engaged
in curing the illnesses of the suffering humanity.
As many as 158 children having health related problems were checked
and given medical advice by the eminent Dr. Chandra Shekar from
Pothnal PHC. The members of the medical representatives’ association
offered the service as volunteers and also distributed free
medicines. Most of the children suffer from eye and tooth problems.
Doctors gave awareness programme on cleanliness.
-
Children’s
Camp
 A two day’s residential camp was conducted at Vimukti on 17th and
18th October 2013. With the best of organizations and resource
persons both days were a huge success. Around 325 children between 9
to15 years of age participated in the camp. All work and no play
make Jack a dull boy. Being well aware of the fact that the best way
to teach the students is through what they want to learn. Our
Vimukti children proudly initiated the co-curriculum
Extra-curriculum activities like dance, music, singing, yoga,
drawing, and other activities. As the enriching and revitalizing
power of these activities was already palpable in the students,
Vimukti tried to give these children a bit of value education and
personality development skills during their holidays.
-
Two Days
Work-out for the Members of Children’s Parliament
 The Vimukti charitable trust has been the vehicle for gathering and
socializing the people especially the children by various means and
measures. We can say that the Vimukti Pothnal is now in a better
position to do so than ever. The credit must be given to the
director and the Vimukti staff for their ceaseless effort and hard
work.
For the smooth functioning of the children’s parliament and for its
better effectiveness, the Vimukti organization held two days of
training for the children’s parliament at the Vimukti premises. The
director addressing the participants in the introductory talk
insisted that the students must get the maximum benefit from this
training. Sufficient interest must be shown and discipline must be
kept up, he said. From the 10 villages of Pothnal there were about
180 students who partook in this training.
Small groups were made for the discussions and many activities were
taken up in the groups. Various documentaries were shown to them on
how to organize themselves, how to deal with the various issues they
face in their lives. They were given clear picture of how a
parliament functions at a higher level. The participants had the
opportunity to hear a resourceful guest in the person of Mr.
Sudarshan, the Children’s Parliament Dept., UNICEF, Raichur, who
explained to them various benefits of the parliament. As for
instance, when the children are deprived of their rights they could
discuss about the problems in the parliament and find a solution or
call helpline 1098 to bring problem to the notice of the concerned
authorities.
Sr. Nirmala, the honorable guest of the day enlightened the children
about the health and hygiene, the importance of cleanliness. Rev Fr.
Antony Raj in his address had a word of appreciation to the
institute and its staff, for what they are to the children and all
that they do for them. This institute has contributed its share in
the education, leadership and talent mobilization of the children
which is remarkable from its part. Overall, this event was a
memorable one as 180 participants benefited from this training.
-
Two Students
Selected for State-level Children’s Parliament Contest!
 The Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal has something very positive to
share with the readers. It has been working well for the development
of the children in the various villages, and recently it has come up
with a unit of the ‘children’s parliament’ which is a new attempt
for creating an awareness among children about the issues afflicting
the society and for bringing some changes in the society.
In the present scenario we can think of some changes in the world
only through the leadership of children but the question is how to
go about it? Children’s Parliament gives a chance to speak for the
children, by the children and of the children. It serves as a
platform for the children to develop the leadership skills,
confidence, team spirit, analytical skills and maturity. VCT aims at
making the children aware of the powers of a parliamentary
democracy. They would know how to be the responsible citizens and
the importance of involving themselves in community affairs. Towards
this  end, a District level children’s parliament training was held
at Raichur on 28th of October. There were 90 children
representatives from various NGOs, Schools and various institutes to
discuss the issues on children’s rights and how they are violated in
Raichur District. Children raised the issues such as deficiency of
nutrients in children, lack of safety in school buildings,
transport-related problems, and rehabilitation of children in the
context of the Act to prevent Child Labour, Child Marriage, child
drop outs, etc. Children were given the opportunity to discuss in
groups and after which a report was presented before the District
officials. Children came up with various questions which were eye
openers to the officials to work more vigilantly. VCT children took
active part and made the session more effective and vibrant. As a
result two students from VCT were selected for the State- level
children’s parliament contest to be held at State level Legislature
in Bangalore.
Shivanda Gowda, the son of Hanumantha and Chennamma, the daughter of
Yellamma from the High School Pothnal were selected in the
district-level contest recently by the Child Rights Watch Banaglore
and Unicef Raichur. They would speak on the issues faced by the
children in Raichur district of the state in children’s Parliament
contest in Bangalore on 23rd November 2013.
-
Vimukti
Children’s Parliament Voices their Demands Loud and Clear to MLAs
and MLCs at State Level:
 “Opportunities are like the ocean, have the joy of swimming in it
and reach the shore of success”.
It is not every day that one gets to see Karnataka MLAs and MLCs
Ministers answering a series of questions posed by none other than
children. However, this is exactly what happened on November 23rd
Friday, at the Conference Hall No. 333, Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore,
when the Kimmane Rathnakara the Primary education Minister, Umashree,
the Women and child Development and along with other Ministers were
grilled by around 60-odd-children from different parts of Karnataka,
on various issues pertaining to child rights. Along with several
members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and members of the
legislative council MLCs participated in the discussion, in which
the children representatives took the centre stage. Along with the MLAs, Sri Manohar Maski, Sri Ne. La. Narendrababu, Sri Basavaraja
Horatti, Sri. Viranna Mathikatte, Sri Mukhya Mantri Chandru, Sri
Harris and other legislative assembly and legislative council
members were also present. UNICEF Hyderabad representatives Dr. Prasun Sena, Dr. Padmini, Mr. Umesh Radhya, the Chairperson of the
Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR),
members of th e NGOs and media were also present. The ministers and
their colleagues signed their commitment on the Child Rights
Commitment poster and inaugurated the programme.
The event was part of the state-level Children's Parliament hosted
at Vidhana Soudha for almost two hours—11.00 am to 1.00pm. The
unique attempt to help children raise their issues directly in front
of the highest policy makers was a collective attempt by the
Karnataka State Legislators’ Forum for Child Rights, Karnataka Child
Rights Observatory (KCRO) and supported by United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF), Hyderabad. For the second time in the state,
Ministers held consultation with the children directly and listened
to their problems in the Vidhana Soudha, the epicenter of power.
Be it the low-quality food supplied at anganwadi centres, or the
discrimination faced by HIV-positive children, the young
participants at the session minced no words in bringing forth the
issues related to school-going children across Karnataka. The other
topics which figured during the interaction between the Ministers
and the children included lack of infrastructural facilities in
schools, lack of good quality teachers in schools, problems faced by
disabled children, stray dog menace, poor health care facilities,
education of migrated children, human trafficking, female feticide,
lack of transportation facilities and ban on liquor, to name a few.
If 14 year old Shivanada Gowda, a student of High School Pothnal
complained of the huge amount of corruption involved in the supply
of food to anganwadi centres by highlighting the involvement of
teachers in selling off food meant for children, then another
teenager expressed his plight at being thrown out of his school,
after he was found to be HIV positive.
The courage and conviction with which the children addressed the
questions to the Ministers left everyone baffled. Right from the
politicians, bureaucrats to activists, everyone present at the event
praised the children for their in-depth knowledge of ground
realities, and passion to solve their problems.
The Ministers, after listening to the children patiently, assured
them that their issues would be addressed immediately. Ministers
also asked the children to write to the concerned Ministers directly
whenever they faced any kind of discrimination or violations of
their rights.
As part of the Children's Parliament, young participants were
provided a day-long time on 14th November to interact among
themselves and present issues on priority basis to be discussed with
the ministers. This coincided with the Children’s Day celebration
all over the country. Many of the children who participated in the
state level children’s parliament felt that the momentum now created
should not die down with this particular programme, rather the
process of children’s representatives meeting the Chief Minister and
other cabinet ministers with their demands should become a regular
feature every year
-
 Inauguration
of HOBBY CLUB
“A man’s capability is judged by his hobbies”
The hobby club, as the name suggests, emphasizes and motivates the
students to have one or more hobbies and nurture their interests.
Therefore Vimukti inaugurated the hobby club on 17th November 2013.
This brought together several children from in and around Pothnal.
The function was graced by the several eminent figures on dais,
concerned with the welfare of under privileged children.
A good number of competitions like mimicry, singing, dancing,
drawing, speech etc were held. They helped to bring out the talents
and aptitudes of children. It was a unique day for the Vimukti
Children.
-
Sports Day:
 “It is not the medals; it is the sense of participation that
counts.”
As the students are busy in their studies all through the year, the
Vimukti center decided to give some relaxation to them through a
sports day. The day began with the stage programme. The Vimukti
director, referring to the quotation from the Bible (I Corinthians
9:24) said, “All run at the stadium, but only one gets the prize,
run as if to win”. He urged and encouraged the children in his
speech telling them that when study and physical exercise go
together, the students grow holistically. He requested the children
to play a clean game and congratulated them for the keen interest
they show in sports. This fosters friendliness and broadmindedness
among the participants, he added. Prizes were distributed for the
winners and the program came to an end with the national Anthem.
-
Identity Card
to the Parliament Children:
 Each and every children’s parliament member was given an identity
card that carried all the details of the responsibilities of the
child to be carried out in the parliament sessions. The staff
distributed these cards and explained to the students the need and
requirement of this card and requested everyone not to lose it but
preserve it till the end. The identity card is also an identity of
the students belonging to the Vimukti center and also an image
presenting device.
Ongoing
Programs:
-
Co-Curricular Activities in
the Clubs:
 Along with the tuitions, the VCT gives importance to the
co-curricular activities. The students participated in various
competitions like vocabulary, drawing, greeting cards making,
general quiz, quiz on history, dictation, storytelling competition,
speech competition, creative writing, facial expression, hand
writing, rhymes etc. The winners were honored with prizes.
-
Non- formal Education:
 Literacy is very important for the development of the individual and
for the nation as well. A literate or educated person has a high
self esteem. He or she is fairly independent and is aware of his/her
rights and duties. With these sentiments, brothers from Clara Vihar,
Pothnal, have started non-formal evening classes in the Vimukti
campus. The classes started on 8th July 2013 with 28 Children and a
lady teacher. Today, it has nearly 48 Children from our neighboring
villages.
Classes are conducted for these children, every day evening from
6.00 to 7.00. These children have shown great progress and a lot of
interest in learning and literacy. I thank all the brothers for
their dedicated service and wish them all best of luck in everything
they do.
-
Formation and Strengthening
of Children’s Clubs:
 One of the main programmes of child friendly project is the
formation of the children’s clubs. In all our 16 villages we have
the children’s clubs functioning fortnightly. Five animators are
handling the project helping out the children in clubs and other
child related programmes in schools and community. The main aim is
to tap children’s potentialities and capabilities in accordance with
their talents and thereby build up their capacities and abilities to
take initiatives. The children lack basic guidance and direction and
therefore every child needs a wholesome growth (i.e. personality,
education, general knowledge, cleanliness, creativity and the like).
So the project tries to guide the children for a successful future
through Saturday clubs. Students above 4th grade participate in
these clubs. Through their participation in these clubs they will be
more studious and active in other school activities. Altogether
there are 1300 children in the clubs.
CASE STUDIES
-
Case Study: 1
Children Play the Role of Agents of Change in Community:
 Devipura, a small village in Raichur District of Karnataka, is one
of the villages where the Vimukti undertakes investigations on
Malaria, Dengue, Diarrhea, TB etc. This village had no proper
drainage system and cleanliness was not maintained. As a result
people were attacked by dreadful diseases. Within a month, we found
68% of the total population affected by Malaria, Dengue, Diarrhea,
TB etc. All families were given the medication and advised to use
mosquito nets and to keep the surroundings clean. But a very few
families were able to use the mosquito nets. This was the time when
the children’s parliament members got together and devised a plan to
tackle the problem. They submitted the memorandum to the Grama
Panchyath president Mr. Sharanappa. Meanwhile they performed small
street plays in their villages on the various issues to prevent
Malaria and Dengue, demonstrating proper use of clean water and
mosquito nets. Exhibiting their talents, the children subtly
emphasized the significance of using nets. The children initiated
the group visits to the households, every evening, to check the
usage of nets and clean water and convince the families to use them.
Within a short time, the children were able to bring about a
considerable change in the situation and make the adults understand
the need for compliance. Eventually all households in the village
began to use the nets and clean water.
At present, the children, along with the staff, meet once in fifteen
days to clean off the water logging areas around the bore wells and
gutters. The children had a rally to reinforce Malaria prevention
issues related to personal protection measures and early diagnosis
and treatment.
In a significant development, Malaria fever is minimized to a great
extent in Devipura village and some credit must certainly be given
to the relentless efforts of the children.
-
Case Study: 2
Vimukti Transformed My Life….
 “I am Mallaya, the son of Mr. Eranna and Mrs. Huchamma from
Markamdeni village of Manvi taluka. I was a student of fifth std.,
eight years ago. I was forced to leave the school because my younger
brother was suffering from mental disorders and hence there was no
one to look after him. However, I had a lot of desire for regular
studies but I could not fulfill it due to poverty and lack of
personnel at home. But now though I am not a regular student at
school, I feel satisfied that my quest for education is being met by
Vimukti which renders free coaching classes in the evening from 4.30
to 5.30 every day. Now I am able to read and write again. When I
look at the society today, there are many children like me who are
deprived of the right to basic education. I appeal to the government
agencies and the NGO’s to come forward to help them and illumine
their lives.
I am deeply indebted to the Vimukti, Mr. Charles and teacher
Gowramma and the staff who supported and motivated me. I am thrilled
to say that even though I am a 5th std. school dropout, and had
forgotten the alphabets, now once again I have learnt how to read
and write. I am proud of myself. My aspiration is to take care of my
beloved parents and to live a good life.
-
Case Study: 3
Back to School After One Year Break:
 A 9 year old Shivraj, son of Husenappa and Amaramma hailing from
Baniganoor Raichur District, Manvi Taluka shares his experience how
he came across Vimukti and found aim in his life.
“When I was studying in my 9th Std., my mother was suffering from
typhoid. And there was no one to take care of me and send me to the
school. This made me lose interest in going to the school. Instead I
began to roam around with my friends. Though my sickly mother used
to shout at me and tell me to go to the school, I was taking my
lunch box daily and spend my time with my friends, and by evening,
as usual, return home. I was also watching movies at night with my
friends. When my mother came to know this she scolded me, so I
decided to run away from home and work in a hotel. I worked for a
hotel almost for a year, and on one fine evening as I was supplying
food to the customers, I met the Vimukti staff who showed interest
in me and learnt that I am a school drop-out. He requested the hotel
owner to send me home so that I can go to school again. The very
next day I went back home and my mother readmitted me to the school.
Now I am perusing my studies and extremely happy to do so. I wish to
study well and hope for a bright future. I am very grateful to the
Vimukti staff, Mr. Charlie, who changed my life by motivating me
love education again.
-
Child Labour &Child Drop-out
Issues:
 Along with the children’s clubs and parliaments, the liberation of
child labourers and child drop-out issues are of primary interest.
Both these issues are widespread in our working area. In every
village where we work, a systematic survey of child labourers and
child dropout was undertaken. Vimukti was very strong in raising the
issue of child labour and child dropout at the concerned Government
Departments.
-
Panchayat President Mr.
Vekatesh Nayak Fulfils the Children’s Parliament Request:
 The Muddammaguddi primary school lacked drinking water facility for
its students. The children had to walk a kilometer to have a glass
of water. The children’s Parliament of that village decided to
address this issue faced by the children, and they approached the
Panchayat President, Mr. Vekatesh Nayak for help. He could not
refuse this pressing demand of the children. The President made sure
that a water tank and fresh drinking water facility is available at
the school premises. Thanks to the children’s parliamentarians and
the Panchayat Persident.
-
Bringing Light to Our Steps:
The children's parliament took notice of the Muddamaguddi village in
Raichur district grope in darkness for a long time. The children
couldn’t study. The electrical poles and wires were not in good
condition. This affected both the children and the elders. The
children’s parliamentarians gave a petition to the ward member and
kept on reminding him. This initiative of children brought twelve
new street lights to the village, with proper wires and poles
installed.
-
Integrated Toilet for Women
and Children:
The women and children had to use the open place for defecation.
This is a common phenomenon in these villages. But the members of
the children’s parliament of the Markamdinni village decided to do
all that is possible for them to ensure the privacy of women and
children of the village. The children’s parliament took the lead to
bring the issue to the notice of the Panchayat administration by
giving a strong memorandum. The Panchayat now has given hope that
they will look after matter without fail.
-
A Clean School Environment:
 The students of the Government Primary School of the Muddammaguddi
village had been littering the school premises, and the school did
not have the water facility. The children's parliaments of the area
appealed to Mr. Vekatesh Nayak, the Panchayat president in the Grama
Sabha meeting stressing on the need of a clean school environment
and a water facility in the premises. Thanks to the children and
Panchayat, the children’s needs in the school are fulfilled.
-
Rescue of Child Labourers:
We found 35 children who were employed as workers in the wayside
Tiffin and tea stalls, flaking cotton, and grazing cattle. They are
now enrolled as the beneficiaries of the Sarva Siksha Abhian (SSA)
Scheme. Some of them were not willing to attend the regular classes.
Therefore, we have made a suggestion to the government to devise a
syllabus for such children taking into account their situation and
needs.
-
Anganwadi Teacher’s Visit
Ensured:
An Anganwadi teacher was found absent for a long time in Dothrabaddi
village. The children’s parliament members of that locality took
notice of her absence, discussed about it in their meetings and took
the matter to the leader of the village, who took the necessary
action and the teacher is back to her duty, regularly. Thanks to the
children’s parliament members.
-
Bringing Dropouts to School
 Two girl children from Devipur village, completed the10th standard
and dropped out for a year. The children along with the staff
discussed about this dropout issue in their parliament and
approached their parents, and motivated them to send their children
back to school. We approached the headmaster to make the notebooks,
textbooks and uniform available for them. Now they are studying in
Fist P.U.C. Thus the children’s parliament members helped two girls
to get their higher education.
-
Basic Needs
The children’s parliament of Markamdinni village organized a rally
on “SAVE MOTHER EARTH”. It was mainly an awareness programme for the
village people on the conservation of water, plastic ban,
cleanliness, health and hygiene. A memorandum was also submitted to
the president of the village panchyath to repair the bore well and
provide dust bins in front of the school.
-
End to Women's and
Children's Plight
The plight of women and children walking a long distance to fetch
the drinking water in Markamdhinni invited the attention of the
children’s parliamentarians. The children approached the Panchayat
president and requested him to take the earliest action possible. A
bore well is dug and the hand pump is fixed to solve the issue.
Thanks to the initiatives of the parliamentarians!
-
Benefits of Government
Bhagya Lakshmi Scheme:
 The main aim of the scheme is to help women from the economically
weaker sections of the society. They should come forward to avail
the benefits of the Bhagya Lakshmi scheme and ensure a secure future
for their girl children. Women in the society are subjected to a
severe mental and physical harassment if they fail to bear a male
child. Some traditional customs practiced over the centuries induce
people to discriminate against girls, maintaining a deplorable
disparity and injustice between genders. This made the government to
launch the ambitious Bhagya Laxmi bond. Knowing the importance of
this scheme the staff helped two children to receive the benefits.
-
Shifting of Garbage from
Road:
The main road at Karabdinni had been stinking due to the uncleared
garbage and waste water stagnating beside the road, creating major
problem for the residents. The students and people use the same road
to reach their destinations. Though the problem was brought to the
notice of the concerned people, no change was brought in so far.
Therefore Karabdinni children’s parliament discussed the issue in
the meeting and cleansed the place, and the people appreciated their
work.
-
Knock the Door of the
Government Scheme:
 The P.U.C students from Pothnal, Mudammaguddi, and Karbaddinni went
to the Grama Panchayth and knocked the door of the government
scheme. The students gave a petition to their ward member and kept
on reminding him about the SC/ST scholarship amount from the
government. After a long awaited period, the scheme has brought
broad smiles on the faces of the students. Nearly150 students
received Rs.78,000/- from the government.
-
Availing Government
Facility:
 In the Muddamaguddi village, the children’s parliament leaders along
with other children went to the Grama Panchyath and demanded the
caste certificates. As a result 76 children received the caste
certificates.
-
Child Marriage Averted:
On definite information the Vimukti staff rushed to the Chagbavi
village’s Malikarjuna temple where the engagement of a 15 year old
girl studying in the X standard with a 25 year old man was to take
place. The girl is the daughter of Mr. Mudukappa and Mrs. Laxmi, the
residents of chagbavi village and the boy was the son of Mr. Amresha
Nayaka. The staff persuaded the parents of the girl not to conduct
the child marriage. The staff explained to them the legal
implications of a child marriage, and the consequences on the girl.
They were informed that under the law the minimum age of marriage
for a girl is the completion of 18 years. After a long discussion
and persuasion the staff succeeded to convince the parents of the
girl and they agreed to hold the marriage of their daughter only
after she completed the age of 18 years. To make things certain, the
staff member, Jaysheel, requested them to give it in writing before
the witnesses.
-
Creating Awareness on
Growing Trees:
 The children's parliaments of Mudammaguddi, Karbdinni, Sunknoor and
Markamddinni villages have been actively promoting the planting of
trees and arrest falling of trees. So far, 225 saplings have been
planted near the schools, public places and on the road sides, by
the efforts of the local children’s parliaments.
-
Boy Rescued from Bonded
Labour:
On 20th August when Vimukti staff was on the way back from Harvi
Manvi taluka, he observed a boy who was plucking cotton in the
field. On enquiry, Ramesh, the owner of the field said he found the
boy abandoned at the bus stand in the town a few months ago and
brought him home. He made the boy do the house hold chores, without
sending him to school. After a long discussion, Ramesh agreed to
send the boy to the Government school. Regular follow up is done by
the staff Jaysheel Dotharabandi.
-
Another School Dropout
In Markamdinni village, the Children’s Parliament leaders found a
dropout child who is very much interested in continuing her studies.
The members of the Parliament spoke with the family members and
motivated her parents to send her to school again.
-
Markamdinni now Stands
Quenched!
 The residents of Markamdinni village of Raichur district suffered
water shortage due to a salty water motor which the Panchayat had
left unrepaired. The children’s parliamentarians of the locality,
taking notice of the plight of the residents appealed to the
Panchayat leader Mrs. Hannumama. The motor was repaired. And the
residents of the village appreciated the work of the
parliamentarians!
-
Garbage Dump Gives Way to
Village Road:
 The village road at Udbal had been stinking due to the uncleared
garbage and waste water stagnating besides the road creating a major
problem for the residents. This was the major cause for many
diseases in the area. The students and the people use the same road
to reach their destinations. Though the problem was brought to the
notice of the concerned people, nothing was done. Therefore, the
Udbal children’s club along with the help of the Vimukti staff gave
a memorandum to the Panchayath President. The president harkened the
voice of the children and the garbage place was turned into a
beautiful road to the village. The people of the village appreciated
the heroic work of the children.
-
Involvement of Villagers in
Total Cleanliness Programme:
The wholehearted participation of villages in the implementation of
the total cleanliness programme was necessary to keep the villages
clean and free from diseases. The Vimukti children’s parliament and
club children got together and organized jointly the cleanness
programme in the Karbdinni Village. The president of the children’s
parliament said in his speech that the good health is the good
outcome of the good environment which keeps us far from all kinds of
diseases. The unclean environment is the storehouse of epidemics and
many dreaded diseases. Further, he said, it is every one’s duty to
contribute in a positive way for keeping the village clean. He
suggested that the practice of open toilets should be ended paving
the way for toilets in every house. The Vimukti animator Jecintha
enlightened the children about the spread of infectious diseases.
Therefore, it is the most sacred duty of every parent to keep
himself/herself clean, keep his/her family members clean and keep
his/her surroundings clean and help the entire village to be clean.
The director suggested very strongly that all the villagers should
be responsible, and demand information from the Gram Panchayath
about the funds meant for constructing toilets.
-
Residents Seek Road Repair:
The dilapidated condition of the Pothnal Thoranadinni Road in the
taluka has been creating a major problem for the residents of many
villages who use the road regularly. The condition of the road had
turned worst and dust menace too had been increasing. Huge pits and
potholes developed on the road, creating problems for the vehicle
movements. Crops such as cotton, jower, paddy, sugar cane etc., were
grown in the fields beside the road and they were being affected due
to the dust menace.
A large number of people was dependent on this road to reach the
taluk headquarters. But due to the pathetic condition of the road
students reached late to schools and for people travel to towns was
tedious. The officials were not taking notice of the condition of
the road. Mr. Charlie, the Vimukti staff, took this great challenge,
and submitted a memorandum, and demanded that the road be repaired
at the earliest. As the fruit of his hard work within a short period
the amount was sanctioned, but the work is yet to begin!
-
Right to Information Act
Used by Children’s Parliaments:
Redress mechanism through the Right to Information Act, under
process, no Child rights special Grama Sabhas was not held by the
whole taluka of Manvi for the past three years. The Vimukti
organization asked the concerned government department to use RTI in
order to give the details to the Vimukti as early as possible. The
Vimukti Director explained to the children how to use the Right to
Information Act in order to get one’s Rights and entitlements from
the government. This has strengthened the self confidence of the
children in the villages.
-
Sanitation Work in Two
Villages
When the rains began another problem surfaced. The lack of drainage
and sanitation facilities caused the poorest families virtually to
live in slush and mud. This also led to the breeding of mosquitoes
and other insects. People were falling sick. The children’s
parliament members came together to tackle this problem, under the
leadership of their animators, and cleansed the road and canals.
-
State level Involvement:
Networking with the Government department and other likeminded NGO’s
of the State, the members participated in the children’s rights’
issues and the RTE which was held in Bangalore. The plan was drawn
up and each district was entrusted with certain responsibility to be
carried out this year and to avail many government schemes.
-
Awareness on Child Rights:
In eight Government schools 442 boys and 321 girls were educated on
child rights. They are very instrumental in bringing back the drop
out students to the schools.
Future challenges
-
Children’s Development along with their education
-
Family up-liftment that is by strengthening total
development and their living conditions in and around their house.
-
Strive to eradicate poverty in the families and in
the villages.
-
Six more children’s parliament will be formed by the
end of 2014 in our working areas.
-
Formed children parliaments will be given follow up
trainings.
-
The development of villages through children
parliaments.
-
More involvement of the children at the state level
for children parliament.
-
Advocacy lobbying work at the local, panchyath,
taluka and district level by way of memorandum.
-
Change of focus from school level to village level.
Children’s Parliament in news………..
Vimukti Children Parliament at Pothnal
 A
New Trend- Child Parliament
The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed
from without. It has to come from within. In true democracy every man
and woman is taught to think for himself or herself. - M. K. Gandhi
Vimukti moves another
Milestone!
Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal has something very positive to share to
all the readers. It has been working well for the development of the
children in various villages, and recently it has come up with a unit as
the ‘children’s parliament’ which is a new trend to create a strong
impact in bringing some changes in the society.
As the beautiful quote says
If you see someone without a smile give one
of yours is very applicable in the context of today`s world. We see many
people especially the children who are without smile due to various
reasons. We know many NGOs and other social work institutions work
tirelessly for the people and among these the VIMUKTI CHARITABLE TRUST
Pothnal is one. This institute has brought smiles on the faces of many
children of the villages in and around Pothnal. The institute has 14
villages in which 850 children who are the members of this club. As the
members of this club they have benefitted in various ways. From the very
start of this institute there are various programmes which are held to
help the children.
The children in the village get tuition in the evenings and in the
holidays tailoring and computer learning facilities and other exposure
programs are done without failure. Step by step new methods are
introduced in recent years. The vimukti helps each child to grow in all
the stages of the development. The parents and the guardians have seen
in their own eyes the changes in their children and excelling in their
talents, education, behavior and in the standard of life.
 VCT
is progressing day by day and here we would like to share something very
special as it laid foundation to form a new drift “children’s
parliament”. It is for the first time introduced in the area of Pothnal.
VCT has formed children parliament in 14 villages. Looking deeply of its
benefits for the children this pace would work successfully. After all
the most beneficiaries would be none other than the children themselves.
They can bring changes in their lives, in their surroundings and in the
society at large.
Traditionally the child has been seen as a dependent, invisible and
passive family member. Only recently he or she has become ‘seen’ and,
furthermore, the movement is growing to give him or her space to be
heard and respected. Dialogue, negotiation, participation have come to
the forefront of the common action for children.
The need to empower children is accepted and well recognized by
everyone. The children need more learning opportunities to understand
their rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and other
International Conventions and also to experience democracy in a
participatory way. They need to be taken into confidence, and be
involved in the affairs of the villages, schools and Panchayats, if a
meaningful empowerment is intended for them. It is a movement of
children who are self-confident and believe that they can come together,
think, analyze socio¬political happenings at a certain level, speak
about them and make decisions and act on them together.
We know that the children’s parliament is a powerful force in the
present day society. It can directly involve eradicating multiple
defects and evils of the society. As the children are the future
citizens of the society this new trend trains them to be effective
instruments of the society. The Vimukti Pothnal has greatest
satisfaction as it formed children’s parliament. And it wishes best to
the smooth functioning of this movement.
What is Children's
Parliament?
It is a movement of children who are self-confident and believe that
they can come together, think, analyze socio¬political happenings at a
certain level, speak about them and make decisions and act on them
together. It is a movement by children to protect their right to life,
health, freedom, security and participation. It is a movement of
children that enjoys the support of elders who believe that children's
participation in matters that affect their lives is essential for a
meaningful social democracy.
Why Children's
Parliament?
Democracy is governance with the participation of all in a meaningful
way. But today, it is money and muscle power that rules. There is no
chance for participation of the poor, the marginalized, dalits, the
tribals and the women. This needed to be challenged and changed. And
that needs to begin with the young, the children. That is why Children's
Parliaments are needed. Participatory democracy has to be learnt from
the beginning, and in a practical way. As we know that the children are
the future of a nation. If the children in the young age are initiated
into this programme, they can surely wipe out the existing deep trenches
of inequality, injustice and discrimination of caste, colour etc. thus
they can be the building blocks of social harmony and equality.
This children’s Parliament by its dynamic action can be a productive
tool to approach the current problems of the time. We usually see, in
the marginalized zones, there are few people who dare to come front
picking up the problem and get it to the attention of the concerned
authorities. Today, scopes are being widened for the better education of
the children. In fact, the children are projected as the future of our
society. There is lot of encouragement for the children, and their views
are widely accepted. This Children’s Parliament can really change the
face of our society by fighting for their rights and get in the desired
change.
Vimukti Children’s
Parliament Mission:
To obtain accurate evolution on the scope, nature and impact of
Children’s parliament to Build, self esteem and self confidence for all
children to be used in developing future legislative and programmatic
interventions.
Objectives
To give independent voice for Child
To develop leadership qualities at the tender age.
To create awareness on their rights
To improve their civic sense
Improving their communication and negotiation skills.
Building inter-personal relationship between children to children and
children to Government.
To create awareness on various issues in their Village
To provide an arena for children to involve in action responses.
New Children
Parliament Units
 “Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge
after them in an unstoppable manner”. Les Brown
Since Children's Parliament (CP) gives ample opportunities for
children's holistic development and sufficient socio¬political awareness
and makes them responsible citizens with leadership qualities, we feel
it is important that children parliaments should be established in as
many villages as possible. This would increase the strength of
participation in the wider sphere. Right guidance and animation in this
field will make the children aware of the existing
 crisis, the
socio-political doldrums and other issues which are not being dealt by
the authorities, E.g. educational system and its function in these
areas.
The initiation of the children into this parliament unit brings new
vistas to look and hope for, as these children would indeed make a
drastic change in the face of rising problems and difficulties. There is
of course a wider room for the steady growth and development in the
various fields of socio-economic domain and we can surely vouch for
bringing in the change through the establishment of the children’s
parliament programme.
Keeping this in mind, VCT formed new children’s parliament units in 11
villages, like Pothnal, Mudanagudi, Karabadhinni, Devipura, Eralagaddi,
Nalagamdhinni, Dotharabandi, Utakanoor, Markamdhinni.
Training on Children parliament:
Education without values, as useful as it
is, seems rather to make man a cleverer devil. -C. S. Lewis
 In
the present world we can think of some change in the world only through
the leadership of children question how? It’s very simple a latest
organization called as the “Children’s Parliament”
Children’s Parliament gives a chance to speak for the children, by the
children and of the children. It serves as a platform for the children
to develop leadership skills, confidence, team spirit, analytical skills
and maturity. This is none other than an organization/movement for
children. The Vimukti Charitable Trust, Pothnal has made children’s
parliament in 11 villages and held a training session to all the
children of this parliament in the Vimukti premise.
This training programme was aimed at making the children aware of the
powers of a parliamentary democracy. They would know how to be a
responsible citizen and the importance of involving themselves in
community affairs.
The resource persons with their inputs shared that the Children could
learn about the democratic processes, the right to vote, the law and the
power of a fair ballot. In the coming years, they would also be educated
on topics such as deficiency of nutrients in children, lack of safety in
school buildings, transport-related problems, and rehabilitation of
children in the context of Act to prevent Child Labour, Child Marriage
etc.
Further resource Person also said that students could learn about the
functioning of Parliament and role of Ministers and Members of
Parliament for the betterment of the society. They would gain knowledge
of how to address local issues with the elected representatives of civic
bodies.
This is a new way for them as children to get rid of their rough ways
and misbehavior as they get training on various leadership skills,
capacity building and personal growth. They come together once a month
for the parliament session. There they discuss the problems and issues
that affect them as well as their area. They write the petition and give
it to the concerned department personnel. They make sure that they get
it done. This training was to make aware of rights and responsibilities
as children. They also have to celebrate all religion’s festivals and
important International days. Their main ambition is to grow to become
good citizens of India.
This training was really a fruitful one and the Vimukti director thanked
all those who helped him to organize systematically such an impressive
training session. There were 250 children who benefited from this
Training.
Parliament at the
Grassroots (Bus Facility):
No doubt a children parliament is a strong force it has succeeded in
getting what they wanted. Here we would like to bring to your notice its
first achievement in the Pothnal area. In many of the villages in and
around Pothnal, lack the proper transport facilities. People and
especially the children are the most victims of this. Nalgamdinni,
Iralagaddi, Utakanur, Karabadinni, Devipura, Muddanguddi, these village
children face transport facilities and due to which, many a time they
have to bunk the school and college. During peak hours in the morning as
well as in the evening there is hardly any bus facility in these areas.
That is why this children parliament approached the Taluka transport
department, with its strong urge to do something concretely in time. For
their pleading the unit head Mr .J. T. Choudari promised them to provide
transport facility from October 21, 2012. The children parliament
members warned them if they fail to fulfill their need, they will
counter the head of transport ministry by way of protest. On this
occasion Miss. Mamatha, Mr. Arogyappa, Mrs. Geeta Patil, Mr. Lawrence
and Mr. Charlie were present.
This was indeed a drastic move in getting in touch with the serious
problems. The CP has indeed showed its might and power and the
challenging approach to these petty issues have made the children more
concerned about their well being and at the same time responding to the
demanding needs of the society. The VCT wishes that the children may be
better equipped to respond to the various issues, thus, bringing a sign
of relief and a pretty smile on the faces of hundreds of people who long
to see such a amazing wonder being done right in their midst by the
Children Parliament.
This first ingenious move will surely drive a strong impulse in making
the people and even the government officials feel the importance and
necessity of having such units of force and energy in putting away the
woes and worries of people.
A Plead Towards The
Fulfillment Of Basic Amenities In Markamdhinni Village
 In the recent times health has played a vital role in facilitating the
growth and the development of the society. A serene life is possible if
only the living conditions are better taken care off. Many a times due
to the lack of favorable and suitable living conditions the human life
is deteriorated and humanity is at a loss. So it is very important to
note that the fundamental human requirements are to be fulfilled at any
cost. The pure drinking water is one of the basic amenities everywhere
and in every way. There are lots of diseases occur due to impure
consuming of water. In our targeted villages like Utaknur, Dotharbandi,
Tadkal, Belavata, Sunkanur are the most affected areas which do not have
proper basic amenities. Keeping this in mind the Vimukti organization
led the children parliament to submit a note to P.D.O of the Gram
Panchayat. This note included in detail –how the people from their area
were affected due to the consumption of polluted water. The water is
also stagnated around the roads and even the sides are so polluted with
dirty water; sad to say that there are no drains to let the water out
and make the road or even the area free-from- stagnant water problems.
This has given rise to multiple chances of increase of mosquitoes and
other pandemic diseases which spread everywhere. The P.D.O was asked to
take note of these problems immediately. On this occasion the Vimukti
staffs Charli, Mallamma Arogyappa and Jayasheela were present along with
the members of child parliament.
Markamdhinni
Children Parliament:
On 28th of November Children parliament members from Markamdhinni
village, took lot effort cleaned the street and their school campus the
people appreciated them.
Media Recognition
The CPs was given wide coverage in media. The newspapers, like
Vijayakarnataka, Sayuntha Karnataka, Suddimula and Sanjavani. All
appreciated the new venture as a very good way of empowering children in
democracy and participation. We are very happy and satisfied that this
innovative programme was a great success. This will surely enhance the
participation and make known to the children the great benefits of this
children’s unit towards better social functioning. We now like to start
more CPs in many more villages and induct more children into CPs. We
want the CPs to become a movement of the children that ensures their
participation in issues that affect their lives directly or indirectly,
now and later.
Greater the unity better the results, I think this would
suffice our conviction in getting a strong hold over the children’s
association and make them feel that they too have got a vital role to
play in the society in eliminating the social vices and evils. The media
coverage has really backed us up in carrying our message to a wider
section of the society and makes our work more efficient and vigorous by
getting more help and support from the people who can support this
children’s unit.
Activities and achievements of
children Parliaments in Pothnal
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In Utakanoor village, Children parliament leaders
found out a dropout child who is very much interested in continuing
her studies. The members of the Parliament spoke with the family
members and motivated her parents to send her to the school.
-
Utakanoor village children parliament took a lot of
effort to clean the street and the people appreciated them.
-
From Dootharabaddi village, one differently abled
child from below poverty line was sent to school after speaking to
her parents and the School Headmaster.
-
Six early marriages were prevented in Manvi Taluka (Haravi
& Balatage) and the girls were sent to tailoring class.
-
In Mudamaggudi from children parliament a group of
children gathered and cleaned the village.
-
In Devipur children along with local women cleaned
their school campus.
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In Belawata children parliament leaders cleaned the
drainage near drinking water tap.
-
We, the child parliamentarians, have made a
resolution that by the end of this year, no child labourer will be
here in our village. We are very happy by starting the children
parliament.
-
In Mudamaggudi from children parliament a group of
children demanded the local panchayatha to get their benefits which
they have received from the Government.
-
Utakanoor children parliament member went to
Panchayath demanded to open the village library which was closed for
one and half year and it was opened to the public.
-
In Markamdhinni village, Children parliament leaders
found out a dropout child who is very much interested in continuing
her studies. The members of the Parliament spoke with the family
members and motivated her parents to send her to the school.
Outcome:
-
10 Children’s Parliament were formed which consists
of 250 children as members.
-
Children’s Parliaments are actively functioning at
this juncture.
-
Children discuss various issues in the parliament and
take appropriate solutions to attend to the immediate needs of their
areas.
Future Focus:
-
20 more Children’s Parliament will be formed by the
end of 2013 in our working areas.
-
Formed children parliament will be given follow up
trainings
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The development of villages through children
parliament.
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Networking with Government ministry of children and
with other NGOS.
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The staff will visit the selected schools and the
villages in their respective area and create awareness to the
children on the importance of children’s parliament for their own
development.
-
District convention on Children’s Parliament by 2013
-
State Convention on Children’s Parliament by 2014.
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