ZIMBABWE AND INDIA EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ON CHILD LABOUR
KALABURAGI: Protection and measure against Child Labour are the need of the hour. In this regard, the Department of Social Work and Economics, Central University of Karnataka in collaboration with Zimbabawe’s Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of public Service and Rural Literacy & Health programme (RLHP), Mysuru jointly organised International Workshop “Zimbabwe and India Exchange Programme on Child Labour” on 12th Oct 2022 at Seminar Hall, Department of Social Work, Central University of Karnataka.
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Central University of Karnataka, Prof. Battu Satyanarayana inaugurated the programme. Ms. Faith RuramaiMavengere, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Zimbabwe; Ms. Ann-Christin Hayk, Management Unit Quality; Mrs. Ingrid Mendonca; Mr. P.E. Reji; Ms. Kudzai-Vimbiso Grace Tseriwa from Terre Des Homes, Germany, a leading Swiss Organisation for Children’s Aid; Prof. Jose V K, Secretary, RLHP, Mysuru; Mr. Pascal Masocha, National Coordinator, Ms. HandinaEsnathyNgandini, Project Officer from Coalition Against Child Labour (CACLAZ), Zimbabwe and Dr.Jephias Andrews Dzimbanhete, Lecturer, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe were present as the chief guests of the programme. The Guest of Honour for the programme was Prof. Basavaraj P Donur, Registrar, Central University of Karnataka. The dignitaries and guests were cordially invited by Dr. Basavaraj M S. Asst. professor, Department of Economics from Central University of Karnataka. Prof. Channaveer RM, Head, Department of Social Work, Central University of Karnataka and Smt. Saraswathi, Director, RLHP, Mysuru were present.
The Prof. Jose gave the introductory speech for the need and necessity of this programme and the effort taken by the different stakeholders.
The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the Central university of Karnataka stressed the need and measurement for the dedicated effort put by government, civil societies, institutions and other stake holders to eradicate child labour. He also appreciated government schemes and legislation to bring significant reduction in Child Labour. He appreciated the initiatives taken by Department of Social Work, CUK; Department of Economics, CUK; RLHP and CUK in general to organise this programme and create awareness among scholars and students working in this sector.
Mrs. Ingrid Mendonca drew attention of the Govt. initiatives that the concrete effort is needed to bring systematic development in the child education and facilities at the grass root level. Ms. Faith RuramaiMavengere pointed out the various legislation, framework and present mechanism employed for protection of child labour by the Zimbabwe Government. She brought out one important intervention by their government to provide US Dollar 15 to each individual who enrolling to get free education and food security.
The prof. Channaveer RM presented the baseline survey report on Child Labour in the Kalaburagi and Bidar Districts of Karnataka. He highlighted the one important factor of not continuing education after class 8th and the reason was to get engaged in the agricultural activity by the children. Several other guests also enlightened the audience with their knowledge and experience on the present situation of child labour.
Further, the interaction between District Child labour officials from Government of Karnataka and representative from Government of Zimbabwe got conducted. Dr.Chitkala V coordinated and anchored the programme. The workshop ended with the vote of thanks by the Smt. Saraswathi, Director, RLHP, Mysuru.