The Millennium Development Goals for Children from 2015 up to 2030 (for 15 years) are being formulated by the United Nations and the NINE-IS-MINE Campaign is initiating a National interactive session with the children from India. NINE-IS-MINE is a children’s advocacy campaign that seeks a commitment from India and the entire world to keep our country accountable to her commitment for investing 6% on education (GDP Government spending) and 3% on health as promised by our own Indian Government. This 6+3=9, i.e. this NINE we say IS MINE.
The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Surbhi from India, a young girl currently studying in the United States of America, along with Brother Steve and team from NINE-IS-MINE Campaign. The children were explained about the 8 Right Based Millennium Development Goals that is to be followed up till this year (2015) and how goals for 2015 up to 2030 are being formulated with inputs from children all around the world with a focus on developing sustainable goals.
An interactive exercise was conducted with the children who were divided into four groups wherein each group had to draw the goals in a character form on the white board and the next group had to guess the issue and what would be the goals for the same. 10 points were awarded for each right answer, which was a motivator for each group. Through this interactive session where the children enjoyed drawing on the board, guessing the issues and what the goal would be, the 18 Sustainable Millennium Goals were listed and explained to the children in a very child friendly participative method.
The second exercise was conducted where children were divided into 9 groups and each group was given 2 goals each and had to list the problems and its solution in regard to each goal. e.g. conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (one of the sustainable development goal). The children also gave suggestions as to how the ocean should not be contaminated and polluted and how the fisher folks in Dharavi Island area pollute it with used oil and also how many children and adult defecate on the sea shore. They suggested installation of garbage bins near the shore and toilets for the community and coastal cleanup.
These sessions have enlightened and sharpened the outlook of the children. One child pointed out to the fact that while we talk about gender equality why do we have seats and compartments reserved only for ladies in public transport and not for men as even they need empowerment and support in the society. The day ended with a couple of action songs conducted by Brother Steve followed by a Biryani lunch for all.
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