BIS # 1203 NEW NCLP CENTRE LAUNCHED AT KAWANT

Greg Almeida sdb

 

KAWANT, DECEMBER 2, 2008: After the successful launch of the two National Child Labour Programme (NCLP) centres at Kanalwa Village, the Baroda District NCLP Coordinator Ms. Janaki invited Don Bosco to initiate a third centre in the Kawnat taluka. After some swift and intense preparatory work, the new centre was inaugurated at Rordha Village on December 1, 2008. The inaugural ceremony was held at 11.00 am and Fr. Elson Barretto, Rector of Chhota Udepur, was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering he stressed the importance of education in the villages and the role of the parents in ensuring that all children are enrolled in school. He also called on the Sarpanch and other local leaders to promote education in the village.

 

A total of 65 currently 'out of school' children have been enrolled at this centre.  These children, who could technically be termed as 'child labourers', will receive special coaching, after which they will enter mainstream education. The aim of the NCLP is to wean away children from situations of exploitative labour and enrol them into the regular schooling system.

 

Present for the function were the village Sarpanch, Assistant Sarpanch, local leaders, Salesians from the other institutions in the region, and a large number of villagers. During the programme, the teachers were introduced to the children by Br. Ramesh Durairaj.  The programme came to a close with Fr. Greg Almeida, Rector of Kawant, thanking the people for their cooperation in getting this project started.