The PG Department of Sociology, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in Malappuram, observed the World Day Against Child Labour. The event aimed to shed light on the pressing issue of child labour and raise awareness about its consequences.
The program commenced with a warm welcome speech by Ms. Arya AS, a dedicated faculty member from the Department of Sociology. Her words set the tone for the day's proceedings, emphasizing the importance of addressing child labour as a collective responsibility.
Dr. U Saidalavi, the esteemed Principal of Noble Women's College in Manjeri, inaugurated the session. He highlighted the significance of the event and expressed his commitment to combating child labour. Following the inauguration, Dr. Abdusalam M P, the Head of the Sociology Department, delivered a thought-provoking presidential address. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to eradicate child labour and create a society that upholds the rights and well-being of children.
The chief guest of the program, Mrs. Shajitha Attassery, the Child Protection Officer of Malappuram, took the stage. With eloquence and passion, she articulated the profound impact of child labour on individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. Mrs. Attassery painted a vivid picture of the cycle of poverty and exploitation that ensues when children are denied their right to education and forced into hazardous forms of labour. Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting the urgent need to address this grave issue.
The session continued with a presentation by Farisa C, the dedicated Rescue Officer from the District Child Protection Unit. Farisa provided a stark and distressing reality check, sharing that approximately 152 million children worldwide are trapped in the clutches of child labour, with almost half enduring hazardous working conditions that endanger their health and well-being. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, underscoring that these children are being deprived of their fundamental rights, their childhood, education, and future prospects.
To offer insights from a psychological perspective, a keynote address was delivered by Saheba C, a renowned psychologist from the ORC (Our Responsibility to Children). Saheba shed light on the psychological impact of child labour on the affected children and discussed potential avenues for intervention and support.
During the program, a special moment arrived as the District Child Protection Officer distributed certificates to the M.A. students who had participated in an internship organized by the DCPU. This gesture recognized the students' efforts and dedication to understanding and combatting child labour. In return, the DCPU presented a token of appreciation to the Sociology Department for their initiative in promoting the internship program and the valuable contributions made by the students.
The session concluded with an interactive segment, where students eagerly posed questions relating to the issue of child labour. The engaged and thoughtful exchange between the students and the speakers enriched the program further, providing deeper insights into the complexities of the issue.
As the two-hour-long program drew to a close, Murshida, one of the M.A. students, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the esteemed guests, speakers, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the event.
Overall, the World Day Against Child Labour observation proved to be a healthy and effective session, creating an environment for learning, empathy, and advocacy. The event served as a poignant reminder that it is imperative for us to join forces and safeguard the rights and welfare of children, guaranteeing their access to education, a secure upbringing, and a future full of promise.
