(ANS – Bangalore) – The project “CREAM” (Child Right Education and Action Movement) was officially launched on 3 December 2012 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore.
 
CREAM is a project that aims to reach out to deprived children both in Urban and Rural Karnataka and build up a culture that will support and uphold the protection of children's rights and nurture every child in a child friendly environment.

The programme was inaugurated by Mrs. Sashikala Shetty (Director of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Government of Karnataka). She emphasized that every child by virtue of its birth has the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Unless children are educated about their rights a child will not be able to affirm his or her rights.

In his presidential address Fr. Thomas Anchukandam (Salesian Provincial, Bangalore) reiterated that the Salesians in India actively participate in the protection of children's rights through the Young at Risk (YaR) Forum. Every individual is the product of a society and culture that provides the conditions of growth.

Fr. Joy Nedumparambil (Executive Director of BREADS) gave the keynote address and explained in detail the objectives of the project. Fr. Edward Thomas SDB (Member, Karntaka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights), Fr. Thomas Pallithanam (Director, Participatory Action for Rural Awakening), Mr. Mathew Philip (Director, SICHREM), Master Sunil and Ms. Vidya were among the dignitaries who spoke on the occasion.

CREAM which is an initiative of BREADS will cover 10 districts of Karnataka, namely, Bangalore, Ramnagara, Mysore, Bidar, Gulbarga, Yadgir, Chitradurga, Yadgir, Bellary, Raichur and Davangere.  The goal of the project is to encourage and enhance children’s participation in development process to promote children's rights and ensure their care and protection.

CREAM will also include formation of more than 450 child right clubs, training of 900 teachers and 22500 children on Human Right Education.  The project will impart children's rights awareness for about 75,000 children within 3 year period. 

Published 14/12/2012