Training Program on Children’s Parliament

The Paran Tribal Society organized a two-day training program on Children’s Parliament for students and animators from evening study centers on September 28 and 29, 2024. A total of 85 students, including both girls and boys, along with 50 animators, participated in this training.

The objective of this program was to foster leadership qualities in children, raise their awareness about rights and responsibilities, help them recognize their unique talents, and encourage them to address local issues such as school dropouts, child marriages, and village cleanliness.

The event commenced with an inaugural address by Rev. Fr. Vasanth SJ, Province Development Officer, Chennai, who emphasized the importance of leadership and active community involvement. Experts from the Global Children Parliament Movement, Chennai, Mr. Ditto (Tribal wing member) and Prof. Sethu Lakshmi from Kerala, facilitated the sessions. Through engaging activities – action songs, dances, fun games, and video clips—they encouraged the children to shed their inhibitions and engage openly.

Impact of the Program The training proved to be highly impactful for the participants. Children shared how the experience:

• Helped them uncover leadership potential
• Allowed them to recognize and overcome personal fears and hesitation
• Increased their understanding of the challenges within their villages
• Made them more aware of their rights and responsibilities toward their community

This training program offered a foundation for developing young leaders and instilled hope for a future where these children will become responsible, proactive members of their communities