SOS Children's Villages India, a non-governmental organisation, empowers children through the formation of Bal Panchayats in villages. The idea of a Bal Panchayat is to enable children to participate in the decision-making process of governing institutions. SCARLETT RODRIGUES interviewed three children from Lakarpur village in Faridabad, Haryana, who are part of a Bal Panchayat to understand the issues they tackle and how being a part of the group has helped them. Here is what they had to say.
What is a Bal Panchayat?
A Bal Panchayat is a group of around 25 to 30 children from the age group of 11 to 18 years that addresses various social issues and acts as a voice for children. SOS educates us on different issues and we spread this knowledge in our communities, among other group members of the Bal Panchayat and the Bal Sabha-a group that comprises children from the age group of five to 10 years. We organise various activities like drawing competitions, nukkad nataks and games to bring children together.
Give us an example of a problem that your group has resolved.
Villagers often face problems that are water related. In one case, there was a tube well that provided water to the residents of a village. We found out that the water from a contaminated water body had mixed with the water from the tube well and people were consuming the same water. We immediately brought it to the notice of SOS, which helped us get in touch with the concerned authorities and the problem was resolved.
Bu hikaye RobinAge dergisinin January 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye RobinAge dergisinin January 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Quirky Creatures Of The Ocean
Scientists say that life first began in the oceans. Yet, so far, we have discovered only 10% of the life in our oceans. Much of it has the most bizarre, flummoxing appearances and behaviours. Let's dive into the oceans and explore some of these quirky creatures.
THE MAN WHO LOST HIS HAIR
This story starts with a man called Babur.
The History of Electrification In India
Look around you. You are surrounded by electricity. Lights, fans, air-conditioners, washing machines, fridges and even reading devices all work on electricity or electrical charge. Without electricity, our lives would be very different. AMRITA GANERIWALLA, a class 12 student of Bombay International School, Mumbai, tells you how electricity changed India.
THE OVERHEAD TANK
Hey Hi! am a Shola tree. In groups, we form the Shola forest Solaivanam in Tamil). We are a native species of the Nilgiris. Did you know, we Sholas act as overhead water tanks’ and form the main source of water for South India? Wonder how? Let me tell you.
Town Musicians of Bremen
GRANDMA’S TALES: A SERIES BY INDIRA RAJAGOPAL
The Mass Communication Industry
Many years ago in India, people gathered around the radio to hear an important news announcement or listen to the leader of the nation speak. People also got together at small tea stalls to discuss the day's newspaper. Fast forward to about five decades, the internet and telecommunications industry have transformed the way news, information and entertainment get delivered to people across the country. LAKSHMI MITTER throws light on this change.
BUILDING FUTURE DECISION-MAKERS, TODAY
Children are the future of the nation. Many of today's children will grow up to be adults who will lead India in various spheres. It is therefore vital that children are well-informed and develop leadership and decision-making skills at a young age.
What Is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy stored inside an atom by the forces that hold together the nucleus of an atom. Scientists have learned how to capture large amounts of energy from these forces, which can be used to generate electricity.
Karnataka & Scotland
Coorg in Karnataka is known as the Scotland of India. Both places have similar climate, terrain and hill ranges. Interestingly, even the traditional clothes worn by Coorgi men look very similar to the Scottish kilt! Let's learn more about these two places.
AMIGO THE PROTECTOR
\"Mom, I'm telling you, there is a monster in the loft. You must listen to me. Siddy and I hear sounds every night,\" Amigo the beagle told Ambika, his pet parent, as they waited for their turn at the Paw Counsellor Clinic. Ambika wanted a pet dog and companion for her baby boy Siddharth, but it now seemed like Amigo was causing too much trouble, and she was getting tired of running to the pet counsellor so often.
