MARGAO: In view of growing concerns about child abuse and various crimes against children, the Goa State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) initiated a programme to bolster children’s rights and empower them.
A workshop titled ‘Children’s Participation in Everyday Lives’ was conducted in collaboration with Child Rights in Action and Kiran Niketan, bringing together 65 children at Kiran Niketan School Hall, Zuarinagar, on Sunday.
The workshop represented a small yet significant and innovative initiative by the Commission to promote and strengthen children’s right to participate actively in society.
“We must transition from viewing children’s participation as mere tokenism to recognising them as citizens. Children have the right to express their views, which should be considered in line with their age and comprehension. This right must be respected by all, including public bodies and organizations working with children. Children often know what is best for them and what brings them happiness. When they are actively involved, they can make a positive impact, both for themselves and their communities,” emphasised Peter F Borges, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights.
“Children are citizens of today, not just tomorrow. This is why it is crucial to educate them about their rights and the UNCRC charter. Today’s session focused on helping children realise their dreams, how child rights can help them overcome challenges, and, importantly, what steps they can take to turn their dreams and child rights into reality sooner rather
than later,” added Aditi Salkar, the facilitator.
The workshop was conducted in a participatory manner under the guidance of Salkar, a licensed psychotherapist, NLP trainer, and advanced REBT practitioner, currently serving as the Programme and Scientific Director at Child Rights in Action (CRIA).
Contributions from Sr Anny Fernandes, Sr Jeryssa Pereira of Kiran Niketan, Prifa Xavier, Santosh Badgari, and Rheya Fernandes played a vital role in the workshop’s success.
