Young at Risk (YaR) Day 2019
Young at Risk (YaR) is a common term used across the Don Bosco institutions for all those children
who are in difficult situation or vulnerable situations of life. Don Bosco Child Labour Mission (DBCLM),
Davangere traditionally celebrates it with the Children’ Day on a convenient day in November.
This year it was celebrated it with a public programme of invited guests, general public and some 500
school children at Government Model Higher Primary School, in Hadadi Grama Panchayath of Davangere.
It was also used to mark the celebration of the 30th year of UN Child Rights Convention and to honour
those who contribute significantly to the protection of children especially those in vulnerable situations
and their rights. The programme was organized in collaboration with BREADS, Bangalore, Hadadi Grama Panchayth,
and Government Model Higher Primary School, Hadadi, Davangere.
The programme started with a few songs on child rights sung by the staff of DBCLM. Mr Prashanth VB (Team Member,
Don Bosco Childline Collab, Davangere) welcomed the guests and the gathering. Children from DBCLM raised the hearts
of those gathered to the Divine by dancing for a prayer song. Mr Ravi B (Team Member, Don Bosco Childline Collab, Davangere),
in his keynote address spoke on children, specially on those in vulnerable situations and the services provided to them by
DBCLM through its various projects. Sri Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji of Chandragiri Mata, Hadadi inaugurated the programme by
watering a plant in the presence of Mr Halappa MB (President, Hadadi Grama Pachayath), Ms Karibasamma (President, District
CRC Network), Mr Dharani Kumar (CDPO, Davangere), Mr CR Parameshwarappa (DDPI, Davangere), Mr Manoj (Vice President,
District CRC Network), Mrs Surekha (Panchayath Development Officer, Belavanur), Mrs Vidyavathi (Panchayath Development
Officer, Kaidale), Mrs Lakshmi Devi Prakash (Member, Taluk Panchayath) and Mrs Savithramma (Assistant Teacher, Government
High School, Mellekatte). There were also different cultural programmes by the children from the neighbouring schools.
Mr Halappa in his address mentioned that children can enjoy their rights only if they are in schools. Teachers, anganwadi workers,
asha workers, etc. must visit houses and make sure all children attend school, especially the dropouts. He appreciated DBCLM for
the services that the centre does in this regard. Mr Dharani Kumar talked on some of those young at risk working in garages, hotels, etc.
and on those who are forced to marry even before 14. He exhorted the children to make use of the childline service in such situations.
Mrs Lakshmi Devi Prakash asked the school teachers to take responsibility for bringing the school dropouts back to school and disciplining them.
Mr CR Parameshwarappa in his speech appreciated DBCLM for its work and for being a child friendly institution. He assured all the cooperation
and exhorted Grama Panchayats, Anganwadis, NGOs and education department to work together for the betterment of children. He asked the students
to strive for a better tomorrow.
Mr Manoj mentioned about the UN Child Rights Convention and talked on the rights of children. He demanded children must get good education
and concluded his talk saying bowing before the mobile phone will not help the students to raise their head in the society but bowing in
front of the book will make them.
Chief guest Sri Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji reminded the parents that they have a great role in the growth of saints and holy people in the world.
Parents must take good care of children. Teacher is the next main contributor to children in their growth. There is goodness and happiness all
over in the nature. All must become good citizens. He appreciated the works done by DBCLM for the neglected children.
Mrs Surekha (Panchayath Development Officer, Belavanur) and Mrs Savithramma (Assistant Teacher, Government High School, Mellekatte) were honoured
for their contribution in protecting the rights of children. In their reply speech they expressed their joy in receiving the honour and mentioned
about some of their interventions in the panchayath for the betterment of the children. Mrs Vidyavathi (Panchayath Development Officer, Kaidale)
was felicitated for her panchayath being the most nature friendly panchayath.
The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Mr Gangadhar, Assistant Teacher, Government Model Higher Primary School, Hadadi.
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