Can Youth, in collaboration with the Department of Social Work, Tetso College and interns from Amity University, Noida observed a Thanksgiving Programme and the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12 at Fellowship Missionary Ministry, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
The programme was led by Marina Rongmei Konyak, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.
Speaking on the occasion, Jenpu Rhakho Rongmei, Founder and Chief Functionary of Can Youth shared insights on the growing challenges of child labour in society. He spoke about how many children are forced into labour due to poverty, family circumstances, and lack of educational opportunities, with many ending up working as domestic helpers and in other informal sectors.
Drawing from his own childhood experiences and struggles, he reflected on how the support of his family and the church played a crucial role in shaping his life and helping him overcome hardships. He emphasized the need for communities, faith-based institutions, and civil society organizations to work together to protect children and ensure their access to education and opportunities.
Moaienla Pongen, a BSW 5th Semester student from Tetso College, spoke on the theme of the World Day Against Child Labour ‘ Red Card to Child Labour : Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults’. She highlighted the adverse impact of child labour on children’s physical, emotional, and educational development and emphasized the significant role churches can play in creating awareness, advocating for children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable families.
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The main speaker, Hillo Tep delivered a message on faith, compassion, and service. He encouraged young people to reach out to the unreached through strong faith, trust, and perseverance. He called upon the youth to become Good Samaritans by extending support and service to those in need while placing their faith and prayers in Almighty God.
The programme concluded with an exchange of prayers between Can Youth and Fellowship Missionary Ministry, symbolizing their shared commitment to serving communities and protecting vulnerable children.
Following the programme, participants carried out a campaign on child labour awareness in and around Burma Camp, focusing on auto garages, hotels, and shops. The campaign aimed to sensitize employers, workers, and the general public about the harmful effects of child labour and the collective responsibility of society to ensure every child enjoys a safe, healthy, and dignified childhood.
The observance reaffirmed the commitment of Can Youth and its partners to continue advocating for children’s rights, promoting education, and building a society free from child labour.
