The Bal Sabha (Children’s Parliament) helps bring together children from the slums (some come from decent middle-class families and some from poor or unstable families). It thus functions as an inclusive socio-cultural group where children meet every week to learn about their rights as children through a playway method of education.

These children are sensitized about their rights through various trainings. This enables children to develop their leadership skills by taking small initiatives to improve the situation around them, thereby developing the community and making active citizenship a reality.

During one of their meetings, the children belonging to the Bal Sabha facilitated by our partner Jagruti Kendra, Jerimeri, had identified the issue of unclean drainage and garbage collection in their locality and during the exposure visit which was held in July 2022, the children submitted a letter highlighting this issue to the Addl. Commissioner and shared their problems with him. They requested him to have the drainage cleaned and garbage cleared from their area

After the submission of the letter and constant follow-up with BMC officials, active action was taken on the issue by BMC and the cleaning of all the drainage and garbage takes place daily.

Seeing the results has helped the children build their confidence and they are motivated to work on further issues. Their parents also feel proud of their children’s initiative and encourage them to come forward.