by Br. Nelson Mudaliar sdb
AHMEDNAGAR-MAHARASHTRA, APRIL 19, 2014: A two day training programme was organized for the children of Hanga village (23 kms from Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra) on April 10-11, 2014, in regards with the formation of members of the Children's Parliament. The Director of BGVK Br. Ramesh Durairaj planned the whole venture. The training programme began at 11 in the afternoon with the Inauguration Ceremony. Fifty-three children were present for the same.
The Sarpanch was taken up by the endeavour and service to their community. After thanking the Institution and those in charge, he spoke to the children asking them to make the best use of all that would be given to them. Br. Durairaj encouraged the students to take part actively in the activities that would be conducted. After the ceremony, the brothers introduced themselves and had a small interactive session thus breaking the ice. This session was interspersed with icebreakers and action songs. The children were then sent home for lunch. The vil
The next session began at 3:30 pm. A painting competition was held in the classroom provided. After the competition, the duties of the various ministers of the Parliament were made clear. A brainstorming was done, drawing out from the children different ways of helping the village and each other. Many Leadership games were then played, thus encouraging each one of them to be leaders and also at the same time, appreciate the value of team work. In the night, the movie – 'Timepass' was shown to them on a big screen. The brothers stayed in the village for the night.
The next morning (April 11) after breakfast, the whole proceedings of the Parliament session were carefully explained. An election was held and the whole governing body was changed. The children were then guided to have a meeting in the presence of those present. The children ended the meeting by respectfully singing the National Anthem. A talent competition was then held which the children participated in wholeheartedly. The competition ended by 5:00 pm.
Many parents were present for the thanksgiving ceremony,. They voiced out their happiness and encouraged the brothers to organize such programmes for the children in future. Prizes were then distributed to the children. The children left the place satisfied and also with the commitment to keep the spirit of leadership and of service alive in them, thus contributing their share to their houses and to the village at large.