December 10 marks the 62^nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark proclamation made by the United Nations to set a common standard of basic rights for all peoples and nations. Despite this, many people the world over are still short of achieving these rights, often unaware of the rights they are entitled to.

Working with its local partner in India, Shaishev, Childreach International proudly supports the Balsena programme, a unique initiative that promotes child rights and deals with other related issues such as child labour through a young person’s union. Balsena is an independent children’s union run and managed by the children themselves, providing them with a platform to interact with each other, discuss common issues and learn about their rights as citizens.

Teamwork is encouraged at the project, with children being educated about social responsibility and the importance of working together to achieve the abolishment of child labour. Founded on the belief of equality and unity, Balsena has been instrumental in tackling child abuse and exploitation.

The project has three main objectives. These are:

•  The empowerment of children through the development of their leadership abilities, decision making and financial management skills and self confidence.
•  The creation of a child centred society in which children can be made aware of child rights and be able to voice their concerns over issues pertaining to their own lives.
•  The improvement of the Balsena collective and encourage the spread of its activities in other areas.

The Balsena project encourages children to take a lead in decision making. Here, a guest is invited to speak.

What the children say:

Dinesh, 18, president of Balsena

“Everything I learn, know and enjoy in Balsena is immeasurable. Not only that but I have made new friends, gained an education and have become president of Balsena. I have a deeper understanding of my aim in life which is to achieve as much as I can. I will work for children and elders by living with them until my last breath.”

Hetal, 17

“Shaishav is a very good organisation for children. It is made up of children themselves. Balsena is able to give children a chance at getting their true rights. Balsena helps to develop children through different activities. It also helps the children to leave child labour and find their way into education. Balsena not only listens to the questions of children but helps them to find the answers. In short, Balsena helps children to achieve their rights to education and a child-labour free life."

Above case studies courtesy of Shaishav - http://shaishavchildrights.org/

Striving For Positive Change: The Centre for Development

Childreach International India works in partnership with the Centre for Development (CfD) to finance their ‘Kadam Education Centres’ project. This project aims to improve local conditions for children and encourage a positive change through awareness raising campaigns.

One of the classes at the Kadam education programme