Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Mar 19: Have you heard of the Kundapur Declaration signed way back in 1996? It is a set of principles adopted by representatives of working children's organizations from 36 countries spanning Asia, Africa and the Latin America. It was the first time an international meeting of working children was held, and that too in Kundapur.
The Concerned for Working Children (CWC) organization has been striving for the rights of children since the last several years. A revolution in right earnest began when several countries passed resolutions not to buy products involving child labour in 1992. Two organizations, Iskcon and DCI, had taken special interest in protecting children's rights then. Thereafter, a forum headed by Nandan Reddy aimed at conducting detailed study about the children from close quarters, was set up. 'The Concerned for Working Children' began its survey on lending an ear to voices of children and to assert active participation of children in 36 countries.
At a programme held at 'Namma Bhoomi' at Kanyana near here in 1996, representatives of working children from 36 countries had participated. At the conclave, several relief measures to mitigate issues like reasons which force children to work, challenges they face in life thereafter, etc were adopted, in what was termed as 'Kundapur Declaration' which was drafted by the working children of these countries. In tune thereof, 'Namma Bhoomi' set up 'Bhima Sangha', conducted integrated study about working children, and thereafter took up steps and training programmes for their skill development. The organization took upon itself the task of providing education, skill development programmes etc towards stabilizing the lives of working children.
The principles adopted by the children were:
"- We want recognition for our initiatives, suggestions and organization processes.
- We are against the boycott of products made by children.
- We want respect and safety for our work.
- We want an education with methods adequate to our situation.
- We want professional training suited for our context.
- We want to have access to good health system.
- We want to be consulted for any decision that affects us, whether local, national or international.
- We want a fight to be initiated against the reasons that are at the origin of our situation and first of all poverty.
- We want more initiatives in rural areas so that children don’t have to go to the city.
- We are against the exploitation of our labour, but we are in favour of a dignifying job with a schedule suited for our education and spare time."
Programmes undertaken under the leadership and guidance of Nandan Reddy gave rise to movement in the state, other states, and abroad. Children from various states came here, got shelter, food, etc and got trained to shape a bright future for themselves. The organization, after finding out that the present system of education does not lay too much emphasis on teaching the children how to live, has instituted an educational institute, 'Namma Nalanda'. Through this institution, it has been providing professional skills to children alongside education. Children are also provided skills in carpentary, weaving, pottery and other necessary skills.
The organization has conducted researches on why children seek to work, published result, and shared its ideas about the ways and means to transform lives of children with other 36 countries. The organization has also been regularly communicating with other countries with the help of modern electronic media. It has uploaded documentaries through YouTube, and programmes aimed at creating awarenss like 'Makkala Toofan' have been transmitted by television channels owned by the government.
CWC has been working to spread awareness about children's rights all over the globe. Now, the organization has undertaken a 'walk for change' programme to attract the attention of the countries towards the trials and tribulations of children.
M M Ganapati
This walk began on March 14 towards its final destination, Bengaluru. Several foreign nationals including municipal councillor from Trondheim city in Norway, Kjetil Utne, social activist David Rogne, Wenche Slemmelid-Olsen and Beate Sorvik Sommer and others etc.
Most of the initiatives undertaken by the organization do not get the recognition and publicity they deserve. Therefore, the organization now plans to make 36 countries aware of its programmes through 'walk for change' programme.
"The organization has found that because of family problems, children from 13 different districts of Karnataka migrate to coastal districts seeking to work here. To bring down this practice, measures should be taken to create working opportunities in those districts. From eighth standard onwards, skill development training should be initiaited for children. Children should get education on the lines of Montessori, and everyone should think about bringing changes in their lives, feels assistant director of the organization," Ganapati M M.
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