Students push for safer campuses, smart classrooms, better sanitation, transport
Children from Chinchinim village participating in the Bal Gram Sabha organised by the Village Panchayat of Chinchinim.
MARGAO
From suggesting safe playgrounds to digital/ smart classrooms to raising the burning issue of stray dogs in school premises, besides issues related to sanitation and hygiene and no to drugs and alcohol, children from Chinchinim village made a host of suggestions at the Bal Gram Sabha organised by the Village Panchayat of Chinchinim.
The gram sabha organised with the agenda to empower children in local governance saw the children raising a host of issues and giving their valuable suggestions how best to resolve them.
Participants also provided valuable inputs for the preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), reinforcing the panchayat’s commitment to inclusive and participatory planning.
Sarpanch Frank Viegas said the panchayat successfully conducted the Bal Gram Sabha for the children of Chinchinim, aimed at strengthening children’s participation and giving them a meaningful platform in local governance.
The programme included an interactive session and group discussions, encouraging children to express their views and think collectively. Participants shared valuable suggestions on issues concerning their well-being and community development.
Children actively contributed to the formulation of an action plan, developed by consolidating their ideas and recommendations. An open forum allowed them to voice their concerns, suggestions, and innovative ideas freely, reinforcing the panchayat’s commitment to nurturing young citizens as informed, confident stakeholders in local governance.
The sarpanch said the Village Panchayat of Chinchinim–Deussua has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering children and ensuring their continued involvement in shaping the future of the community.
The session featured noted resource person Dr Gunaji Dessai, who engaged with the children and highlighted the importance of their voice in community development.
Participating at the meeting, children raised a host of issues, right from smart/ digital classrooms to planting trees around school (for shade), solar energy/ panels and rain water harvesting, better transport facilities and school buses, etc.
Some of the students said a firm no to school in the month of April, while others suggested that every Saturday should be a holiday or half day or a holiday every second Saturday.
While demanding proper sanitation in the schools, children batted for house to house waste collection every alternate day. They also demanded encouragement for football in the schools and suggested for French and Portuguese teachers in schools.
