"A child's childhood is for learning, don't use their childhood for earning." World Day Against Child Labour 2021 is observed on June 12 every year to create awareness across the globe about the practice of hiring minor children for labour. This day was recognised in 2002 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) of the United Nations. The ILO focuses on the right to education for all children across the globe, regardless of their race, economic condition or caste.
APJ Abdul Kalam said, "Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow." Acknowledging his words, a Delhi-based NGO, Being Social Ek Nai Shuruat, works for the underprivileged kids to make their future bright. In 2017, on world hunger day, its volunteers initiated Kala Pathshala to teach the kids of a slum situated in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad. Their aim was to feed their hunger for knowledge and education so that they can feed themselves for the rest of their lives. This initiative focused on liberating and empowering the children of rag pickers.
"Each and every child deserves a childhood and no one in this world has the power to take that away from them," said Gaurav Kumar, NGO president.
Banerjee, a volunteer and a teaching faculty, said, "We all have the power to make whatever contributions we can to have these children go to school and learn things for a happier tomorrow."
Kala Pathshala is a child-friendly space where the underprivileged children come not only to study but to explore their creativity. The kids enjoy learning as the curriculum includes a fun-learn pattern filled with interactive games and activities. The volunteers teach 100 kids and even try to support them with basic nutrition.
Karishma, a 13-year-old child and a part of the initiative, said, "I have found my lost childhood here at Kala Pathshala. With this initiative, I could explore my talents both in singing as well as dancing. Not only have I learned how to read and write but I have got an exposure to perform at mega malls on special events like Republic Day."
Karishma said she was a girl who helped her parents in rag picking but her parents wanted her to excel. She thanked her teachers and said, "Kala Pathshala is a ray of hope to the slum kids of Kaushambi."
The NGO celebrates all festivals with the kids and calls the initiative 'Festival for All', where they share new clothes, stationeries and even cut cakes on special occasions like birthdays. The volunteers take care of the health of these underprivileged kids by arranging timely health check-up camps.
Oscar Wilde, author and poet once said, "The best way to make children good is to make them happy."
A country can only develop if it first develops a bright future for its children because the ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children. Let's all together put an end to child labour!
