Child Friendly Shillong (CFS), a project under Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS), is raising a generation of empowered children with small actionable steps that has created big ripples of change in some pockets of the city.
This was documented in the ‘Success Stories’ booklet published by CFS which was released during the annual Children’s Convention held here yesterday.
With over 52 active children’s clubs formed in many localities within Shillong, CFS has given these children a platform to voice their rights and concerns and to become the voice of the voiceless children.
From getting an underprivileged child back to school, to saving one from an alcoholic father, these children’s clubs have even managed to get authorities pull their socks up in getting street lights fixed, roads repaired and to making helmets mandatory for children.
These success stories that highlight courage, determination and collaboration are many. “The stories are not just about the victories but also the change in mindset and the culture of care and respect for children’s rights that has been fostered,” BIDS executive director Fr. James Thyrniang said.
“Before the child rights club started, our children were not aware about their rights and responsibilities but now I see children of my village are taking the roles as leaders and taking initiatives to highlight and resolve issues which they see in our communities. I am sure that these children when they grow up will become good leaders who can play an important role in making our place a better society for everyone,” Rangbah Shnong of Kynjat Phutbot locality S K Wahlang said.
Cassandra Passi, a member of the Child Rights Club of Lawsohtun highlighted the activities such as roleplay on child rights, awareness on substance abuse, games and sports for children and others. “This has helped us to develop our capacities and confidence. Now we feel more confident to speak up about our issues and we are thankful to our headman, youths and other adults who always guide and support us and work together with us to resolve the issues faced by children,” she said.
A child-led survey and assessment 2023 on rights, schemes and services for children in Shillong titled, ‘Rights of the Child’ was also released on the occasion.
The annual convention is an event where all children gather together to celebrate the achievements and hard work which they had done throughout the year. At the same time, it is about members of different children’s clubs coming together, knowing each other and sharing their experiences and ideas.
Meghalaya State Women’s Commission Chairperson Iamon Syiem, District Child Protection Officer Matti Warjri, Childhelpline Coordinator IL Synrem, Andrew Nongrum, Counsellor Childhelpline, Peacefully Marshiing, Program Lead Faith Foundation and Highland Post Editor Rikynti Marwein attended the convention as guest in the presence of Fr. Cyril Tirkey, Assistant Director BIDS, CFS Project Coordinator Deep Gurung and other stakeholders.
