Dimpuar, Sep. 29 (EMN): ANMA Integrated Development Organisation (Aida) has launched a ‘Child Friendly Dimapur’ (CFD) on September 29 in the presence of representative from various government departments, civil societies, educational institutions and NGOs working for children in Dimapur.
An update from Aida informed that the programme is aimed at making Dimapur a child-friendly city, where all children, without discrimination of any kind, have access to their right to live in secure, enabling environments, and develop to their full potential.
The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajn, who unveiled the logo of Child Friendly Dimapur, appreciated AIDA for initiating the programme. He commented that ensuring children their rights is not a special favour done to them but the duty of government, non-governmental organisations and civil societies.
Stating that women and children’s issues are interlinked, he stressed on the importance of paying more attention to their mental health as there is a worrying trend of mental health crisis among children. He added that the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would not be possible without realising the rights of children.
The DC also released a magazine on the Covid-19 first wave activities of Aida titled ‘Aida’s response to Covid-19 first wave.’
In his welcome address, Aida executive director Rev. Fr. Roy George SDB highlighted that a child-friendly city is a city or community where the voices, needs, priorities and rights of children are an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions. He added that the Child Friendly Dimapur is closely aligned with the goals and objectives as enunciated by UNICEF.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jose Kuruvachira SDB, Provincial Salesians of Don Bosco, spoke about child-friendly city initiative as an important work of the Salesians of Don Bosco, coordinated by DB YaR Forum- Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk, a network of over 85 Don Bosco organisations and institutions across 20 states in India. The organisations are engaged in care and protection, and promotion of the best interests of children with special attention to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
He further stressed on the importance of collaboration of all civil society, police, duty bearers, service providers, NGOs, civil administration, business and media.
Also speaking on the occasion, DMC administrator Albert Ezung has congratulated Aida for successfully launching the initiative. While urging to strengthen the legal provisions for children, he has sought concerted effort and coordination from everyone.
He further stressed on the importance to assess and analyse the situation of children in the community to come up with an appropriate plan of action.
Katia Chakre, programme coordinator of Child Friendly Dimapur, shared that the initiative was to enhance children’s capacities to make their voices heard for justice, peace, equality, entitlements and rights by creating those spaces.
Dziesezelie Sanchu, CFD civil society mobilising officer, proposed the vote of thanks.