Hyderabad: A heartwarming incident unfolded when three empathetic students, engaged in fieldwork on child labour, discovered a distressing reality — a young boy who had been out of school for two years, compelled to assist his father in construction work.
Driven by a desire to positively impact his life, the trio, under the guidance of their teacher, took on the mission of persuading the boy’s father. Their persistent efforts paid off as he eventually agreed, leading to the boy’s enrollment in the eighth grade at their residential school.
This act of kindness exemplifies the larger ‘moral education’ initiative, a joint endeavor between the state education department and COVA Peace Network.
As part of this initiative, students from various types of schools, including government, private, and residential, go beyond conventional classroom teachings to explore subjects like child labour, dowry, elder care, and participatory budgeting through hands-on learning experiences, advocates of the program explained.
Impressed by the positive outcomes, the education department and COVA Peace Network revealed their intentions to extend the compassionate citizenship program (CCP) to 3000 schools across 22 districts, commencing in the academic year 2024-25.
During a festive gathering held on Saturday, the CCP’s project exhibition featured 250 projects encompassing all designated areas.
Distinguished figures such as R. Venkat Reddy from MVF, Dr. Kiran Kumar of Woxsen University, and educator Maharukh Driver, among others, presented awards and accolades to the accomplished individuals.
The occasion was dedicated to the memory of former presidents of COVA Peace Network — Egbert Samraj, Anand Raj Varma, Omim Maneckshaw Debara, and Naheed Banu.