MARGAO: At a function organised by the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) to observe Children’s Day, delayed birth certificates for tribal children were distributed, fulfilling a key requirement for the tribal families.These certificates were distributed at the programme that was organised for the children belonging to Kathkari tribes, staying at Porascadem and Virnoda. It may be recalled that the Commission had earlier facilitated the process of initiating delayed birth registration of 65 residents, inclusive of children with free legal aid support from Pernem Taluka Legal Service Committee and North Goa District Legal Service Authority.This work was done after the Commission realised that the lack of identification documents and other civic documents were a major problem for these tribal children as only with these documents, could they be entitled to avail various social security benefits.The Commission has undertaken various child-focused programmes among these tribal children, covering health, education, and access to social protection since the last two years, which was highlighted at the function.A large number of children were a part of the various fun filled events organised for them, in collaboration with Human Touch Foundation (HCF) and Help & Help Charitable Trust.“Children are the future of our nation. They need to be nurtured in a positive way with proper education, access to all facilities, irrespective of their background. The Commission has strived to bring some meaningful changes in the lives of these less privileged children. This programme was organised with the aim to let these disadvantaged children have a moment to enjoy their childhood. Most of these children do not even know that a day has been dedicated to celebrating them and their childhood,” said Peter F Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson.The programme was coordinated by Masooma Shaikh, Sandhya Chawan, Usha Pawar from HCF and Rheya Fernandes, Nameshwari Jadhav, Santosh Badgari and Felcy Gomes from GSCPCR.
