Government school kids encouraged to become 'active citizens'

As many as 2,800 children took part in the ‘Active Citizenship Day’ conducted by Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA) here on Friday. Children from different government schools in Bangalore and three schools in Chikkaballapur participated in the civic fest and exhibition held at Freedom Park.

The programme was focused on spreading awareness on active citizenship among children through skits, inspirational messages and exhibition stalls. “It is essential that children know their rights and fulfil their responsibilities. As citizens, we also need to make the government work better for its citizens,” said Priya Krishnamurthy, executive trustee of CMCA.

“Children’s rights, traffic rules, attitudinal behaviour and environment awareness taught at the age of 13/14 years of children can bring a change in society,” she added.

Jeevitha Gowda, programme officer in CMCA, said, “We mainly concentrate on students from Class 8 and 9. They are given training, workshops. Weekly classes focussed on civic issues are also conducted.”

N R Vishnukumar, director, Department of Information and actor Ramesh Aravind were also present on the occasion.