A loud voice for child rights

Children staging a drama (L) and a partial view of a discussion meeting arranged as part of the three-day Shishu Ananda Mela at Satkhira town. PHOTO: STAR

It was a different occasion for the townspeople as scores joined the three-day Shishi Ananda Mela (children's fair) programmes including dramas staged by children, and raised voices against employing children in risky jobs.

The fair, jointly organised by the district administration and the Satkhira Shishu Academy, concluded Tuesday evening with a call to create awareness about child rights.

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The fair, held on the Pourasava premises, drew crowds in large numbers every day and created an awareness about children's rights to education and care by the society. Slogans against engaging children against hazardous jobs were raised at every programme.

At least 4000 children from all classes attended the inaugural ceremony and raised slogans against risky jobs for children.

Eleven stalls at the fair displaying various modern education tools for children were added attractions, which drew visitors in large numbers including teachers, government officials, NGO men and professionals.

At the largely attended concluding function on Tuesday night, Deputy Commissioner AYM Ekramaul Haq called for spreading the message to protect child rights at grassroots level. He urged all to raise their voice against repression on children.

Other speakers said child rights are violated due to lack of awareness and suggested public-private initiative to check this.

Spread of education is vital to protect child rights in poor sections of the society they said and called for government initiative to strengthen its mass literacy programme.

Presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Gaus, the concluding ceremony was addressed by officials from across the district and representatives of different socio-cultural organisations.

Three dramas --Akash Chhuye Jai (touching the sky), Sabar Jonney Shikhsa (education for all) and Budhdhir Joi (victory of merit) -- were staged on the concluding day. Those were staged by Dipalok Academy, GN Government Primary School and Silver Jubilee Government Primary School respectively.

Dipalok Academy was adjudged the best team and two of its members were declared the best actor and the best director.

The fair was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner on Sunday.