On January 24th, PARA, in collaboration with the Education Department, commemorated National Girl Child Day in four schools across the Kothapeta Constituency. The schools that participated in this meaningful celebration included ZPHS – Ryali in Atreyapuram Mandal, ZPGHS – Alamuru in Alamuru Mandal, ZPGHS – Ubalanka in Ravulapalem Mandal, and ZPHS – Chappidivaripalem in Kothapeta Mandal.
The National Girl Child Day program began with the dignified recital of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution by the students, teachers, and attendees. The recital served as a powerful reminder of the constitutional promise to protect and promote the rights of every citizen, emphasizing the program’s goal of raising awareness about the significance of empowering and supporting girls. The event cantered on raising awareness about the importance of the girl child and advocating for gender equality. The program saw active participation from all students and teachers of the respective schools, along with representatives from the ICDS and Health Departments. These representatives highlighted key topics such as hygiene and nutrition, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting the well-being of children in schools.
The program included interactive sessions where students were engaged in discussions about the value of educating and empowering girls, as well as their pivotal role in society.
Child marriage and child labour are two grave issues that disproportionately affect girls, limiting their potential and future opportunities. Child marriage often forces girls into early adulthood, depriving them of their childhood, education, and personal freedom. It often leads to a lifetime of economic dependence, health risks, and emotional and physical abuse. Similarly, child labour takes away the right to education and exposes young girls to hazardous working conditions, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
On this day, it is crucial to reflect on these issues and work towards creating a safer and more equal environment for girls. Empowering girls with education, ensuring legal protection, and raising awareness about the harmful effects of these practices are vital steps toward a more equitable world. Ending child marriage and child labour isn’t just about protecting individual girls—it’s about fostering a society where all children, regardless of gender, can grow, learn, and thrive. The sessions aimed to inspire the school community to recognize the potential of every girl child and work towards a society that nurtures their growth and success.
