‘We don’t vote, but hear our voices’, Assam children tell parties ahead of polls

As a resident of Majuli, the world’s largest river island, 16-year-old Kuldeep Narayan Bora has seen the devastation erosion can wreck on folks dwelling there. Now {the teenager} needs these in energy to know in regards to the problem and discover a everlasting resolution.

“I have seen my friends lose their homes to erosion. They were forced to live in tents for months along with their cattle. I want the government to give proper compensation to those affected,” mentioned the Class 10 pupil who needs to turn into an audio engineer.

Kuldeep will not be alone. Ten different youngsters like him from throughout Assam are at current gathered in Guwahati to draft a manifesto, which is able to embrace issues confronted by youngsters and counsel suggestions.

The youngsters will meet Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on November 20 on the event of World Children’s Day and hand over their manifesto to him. They may even meet leaders of political events in order that their suggestions are included in manifestoes of events for the meeting polls due in March-April subsequent 12 months.

The effort is a part of a marketing campaign known as NINEISMINE by PRATYeK, a Delhi-based group, which acknowledges youngsters as main stakeholders of society and assist them know their rights in order that they will interact with coverage makers to make sure inclusion and implementation of points regarding youngsters.

Rahul Barman, 17, from Tamulmur in Baksa district needs clear lecture rooms, bathrooms and ingesting water in all faculties. Rimjhim Saikia, 13, who’s otherwise abled, needs particular faculties and particular buses for these like her.

“My parents work in a tea garden. But their wages are very low and it’s not enough to provide for the entire family. I want the government to set up a factory near my place where my parents can work and earn a decent amount,” mentioned Aditya Kanu, 15, from Derby tea property in Cachar district.

Tulsimoni Ramchiary, 14, misplaced her mom few days after her beginning and her father left her quickly after. She needs authorities to make sure each woman will get equal alternatives in each subject.

“We are not old enough to vote now, but we will be able to do so in few years. Our problems don’t get highlighted or get sidelined. Through this manifesto, we want to bring them to the notice of those who matter and make them accountable,” mentioned Rahul.

Over 4,000 youngsters from throughout Assam participated within the effort supported by UNICEF. Besides making ready the manifesto, the youngsters, a few of whom have come to Guwahati for the primary time, are additionally studying expertise like public talking, audio and video recording and so on. throughout their keep.

“This is an initiative where young people advocate for changes based on their ambitions, ideas and dreams centered around their own experiences and situations,” mentioned Steve Rocha, director, PRATYeK.

“Our aim is also to keep government accountable to their promises and try and influence policies. Since Assam is heading for elections, we decided to let the children prepare a manifesto and hand it over to political parties before they (the parties) frame their own manifestoes,” he added.