Children from coastal hamlets in the Gulf of Mannar region presented ‘Arumbugalin Sangamam’, a cultural event, highlighting the evils of child labour, alcoholism and environment pollution at Uraikinaru village near Sayalkudi on Sunday.
About 2,500 children in the age group of 8 to 18 years took part in the cultural extravaganza, organised by Island Trust, supported by Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC), People’s Action for Development (PAD) and Child Rights Protection Forum (CRPF).
Hailing from varied socio-economic backgrounds, the children were a bundle of enthusiasm, Jeyasingh, Communications Manager, PAD, Vembar, said.
“The event aimed to tap and showcase the talents and skills of children living in the coastal hamlets,” he said.
The cultural event was a combination of speeches, plays, songs and group dances, he said, adding the programmes mostly touched upon social and cultural issues such as gender preferences, right to play, right to education and right to be heard, he said.
A group of children from Kadalkatti Kudiyiruppu hogged the limelight by presenting a song, emphasising environment protection and disaster management.
Presiding over the function, K. Maheswari, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kilakarai, said that children must have a goal in their life and should not give up till they achieved it.
Appeal
She appealed to the parents to prevent their children from using android phones, which would hinder studies and change their attitude. They should also not be allowed to ride two-wheelers, she said.
Mannar Mannan, PAD Project Director, dwelt on the importance of child rights and protection.
