It was a day their voices were heard. Children's Day this year was dedicated to children from all backgrounds, especially to those who couldn't really boast of having a real childhood.
Several organisations across the city that work for children, along with private companies as part of their corporate social responsibility, made the day special for many.
CRY (Child Rights and You) organised ‘Celebrating Children, Celebrating Childhood' to listen to the school success stories of children from various villages of Karnataka. These children shared their stories of success and struggle — of how they brought about a change in their own lives and in the communities they lived in.
The event was the culmination of activities organised by CRY as part of an ongoing awareness-raising street theatre festival, Bol Jamoore.
At the press conference held at the United Theological College, children representing a number of Children's Collectives (groups of about 15 children from each slum/ village formed by CRY) in Karnataka spoke about their achievements and also pointed out the key factors required in creating an effective education system.
Meanwhile, over 300 children gathered in BOSCO Mane to celebrate Children's Day. The aim of this event was to help children overcome the fear of police personnel. Pranab Mohanty, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), spoke to the children. At SOS Village, an art workshop was conducted for children from the villages. The children got a chance to express their creativity during ‘Greeting Universe', the two-day workshop.
Sankara Eye Hospital, with Forum Mall, Sightsavers International India and the National Association for the Blind, took up the cause of childhood blindness.
Mantri Developers organised a special party for the students of Indus Community School.
