13/06/2026
Campaign 'Giving a Red Card to Child Labor' Launched in Shahabad Villages
Children and Women Share Their Meaning of Childhood
Shahabad, Rajasthan:
Under the joint initiative of CRY America and Vikas Samvad, an awareness campaign titled "Giving a Red Card to Child Labor" has been launched across 20 villages of the Shahabad block in Baran district. On the first day of the campaign, special awareness programs were held in the villages of Faredua Talheti, Amroud, and Pathari.
The campaign aims to rescue children from child labor, connect them with mainstream education, and ensure every child enjoys a safe, dignified, and carefree childhood. As part of the initiative, a village-level survey has also been initiated to understand the root causes of child labor and develop effective community-based solutions to eliminate the practice.
A total of 79 participants attended the programs, including 28 women, 10 men, and 41 adolescents (boys and girls). During interactive discussions, women and girls from different age groups shared their understanding of childhood and their aspirations for children.
Bhabhuti (30 years) shared that she wanted to study, but her parents arranged her marriage at an early age. "Today, I ensure that my children attend school regularly so that they do not face the same challenges and can build a better future," she said.
Kusum (16 years) described childhood as a time to live with parents, pursue one's interests, spend time with friends, and enjoy life without burdens.
Kumari (26 years), a B.A. graduate, said that childhood means playing, learning, exploring, and growing without worries. She emphasized that children need the freedom to enjoy their childhood for their overall development.
Ankita (12 years) expressed that childhood means going to school, playing on swings, and dreaming about the future. "My dream is to get a good job when I grow up and fulfill my aspirations," she said.
The discussions highlighted the importance of education, freedom, protection, and opportunities for children to grow and thrive. Participants collectively emphasized that no child should be forced into labor at the cost of their education and dreams.
At the conclusion of the program, all participants took a solemn pledge to oppose child labor and work collectively to ensure a safe, educated, and child-labor-free future for every child in their communities.