CHILDLINE India Foundation > 17th May, 2008: International Child Helpline Day

MAY 17 th - INTERNATIONAL CHILD HELPLINE DAY

Connecting Children

Children all over the world are among the most disempowered groups in society; least able to get information, support and help when they most need it. The UN Child Rights Convention, No child should be left alone. When their needs are ignored or misunderstood by the adults around them, they can reach out to a child helpline for help or advice by simply dialling a number. If they are not able to reach a telephone, outreach activities ensure that the most marginalized children are equally heard.

In our 'global village' of the 21 st century, help for children can be as close as the nearest telephone, computer or postal service. Modern and traditional means of communication are being used by child helplines all over the world to ensure that each and every child is able to contact someone for help. Child helplines are an important mechanism to connect to children and enable the voice of each and every boy and girl to be heard.

CHILD HELPLINE INTERNATIONAL is the global member network of Child Helplines working to protect the rights of the child. It is a network of telephone helplines and outreach services for children and young people in over 150 countries with 91 official members. Child helplines are active all over the world. Their mission is to respond to children in need of Care and Protection.

INTERNATIONAL CHILD HELPLINE DAY - May 17th is a day declared by Child Helpline International and dedicated to celebrating the work of child helplines all over the world. The theme this year is CONNECTING CHILDREN. The focus of 17th May will be on highlighting the work undertaken by Childlines all over India and its child helpline partners all over the world.

CHILDLINE Allahabad with the Discesan Development & Welfare Society, organised a rally covering almost 25 kms from the slum area of the city to CHILDLINE office was organized. There were 50 Cycle Rickshaws carrying the little kids with CHILDLINE T-shirts on. Handbills and a message through loud speakers were given all through the rally. It was an innovative way of spreading the word about CHILDLINE, Child helpline 1098 and child rights, to thousands of people who witnessed it. After the rally, there was art and role play competition for the children in the CHILDLINE premises. After brunch, the children were reached back to their homes.

Long live CHILDLINE Allahabad !!