Children meeting
Children performing a skit at ‘People for Children,’ a consultation meeting on freedom of vulnerable and marginalised children in the city on Wednesday.As children shared their experiences of poverty, illness and hard work, the small gathering around them silently swore to extend a helping hand to them. What does freedom mean to these children who are constantly fighting adversity just to survive?At ‘People for Children,’ a consultation on ‘Freedom for Vulnerable and Marginalised Children,’ organised by Native Medicare Charitable Trust (NMCT) here on Wednesday, community leaders came forward to sign a pledge to work together for the betterment of children, especially the vulnerable and the marginalised. Even after 60 years of Independence, child labour is rampant, said Rema Menon, Project Director. The protection of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS too was of grave concern, she added. The consultation was aimed at mobilising resources from the general public for the welfare of these children. And, initiate a citizen’s forum to support and safeguard the rights of children.
NMCT, as part of its child labour eradication programme had started non-formal education centres and about 450 children had been mainstreamed through this programme. It was also running income generation programmes for the mothers of these children through organising them to form self help groups. For the care and support of children with HIV/AIDS, it had formed a group called ‘Roja Koottam,’ which through various activities for children extended support for the children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.It had also recently opened a care centre for orphaned children, called “Abhaya.” For details, contact NMCT, 5/39, Kalappanaickenpalayam, Somayampalayam Post, Coimbatore 641108. Phone: 2401747, 2402735.
