DIMAPUR: Can Youth, in collaboration with the department of Social Work, Tetso College, and interns from Amity University, Noida, observed a thanksgiving programme and World Day Against Child Labour at Fellowship Missionary Ministry, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
Welcoming the participants, Marina Rongmei Konyak highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding children’s rights. Founder and chief functionary of Can Youth, Jenpu Rhakho Rongmei, spoke on the challenges of child labour, noting that poverty and lack of educational opportunities force many children into domestic work and informal sectors. Drawing from his own childhood struggles, he emphasized the role of family, church and community in protecting children and ensuring access to education.
Moaienla Pongen, a BSW student from Tetso College, spoke on the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”, stressing the adverse impact of child labour and the role of churches in advocacy. The main speaker, Hillo Tep, delivered a message on faith, compassion and service, urging youth to become Good Samaritans by extending support to the vulnerable.
The programme concluded with prayers shared between Can Youth and Fellowship Missionary Ministry, reaffirming their commitment to child protection. A child labour awareness campaign was later carried out around Burma Camp, targeting auto garages, hotels and shops to sensitize employers and the public on the harmful effects of child labour.
