“I had to forego school for a year and do odd jobs,” says K. Nalini, a 15-year-old girl from Ammaiyar Kuppam in Tiruvallur district.
It was only after a lot of struggle and protest that she managed to get back to studying.
“Owing to financial problems at home, I had to discontinue my studies,” she says. Now, thanks to a voluntary organisation, she is back in class and aims to become a teacher. She shared her experience at the Children Free Charter Consultation held by VOICE Foundation and Christian Children’s Fund of Canada here (CCFC) on Sunday.
Stifled voices
Lavanya Kesavaraj, programme manager at the CCFC, said it was essential that the voices of children were heard.
“We will find out what, in their opinion, is freedom from violence and exploitation,” she said.
After getting their views, the organisation planned to take it to the State government soon, Mr. Kesavaraj added.
J. Bharath, a 11-year-old boy, said his close friend was abused by his alcoholic father and was forced to discontinue school.
“We went and fought with his father on why he stopped his studies but he did not respond. I wanted to know more about child abuse and rights and so I decided to be part of this session today,” he added.
