The short inauguration programme included speech by chief guest, State Minister Barrister Muhammad Shahjahan; a welcome speech by Heather Forbes, assistant director, British Council and special guest Selim R S Hussain, chief financial officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Bangladesh.

A documentary titled, 'Animation on 12 Spots of Child Rights' produced by UNICEF was screened after the first session. The film comprised many short animated announcements for mass awareness regarding child rights issues. Noted participating organisations like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, UNICEF, including MTV had their moving pictures conveying the message.

The discussion session started with Mustafa Shiblee, executive director, Working for Better Life (WBL) as the Moderator. Chief of Child Development and Education, UNICEF - James Jennings and Nasrin Begum, joint secretary to the Ministry of Law participated along with students, teachers and parents.

The lively and informal conversation consisted ample amount of flaming questions raised by the school children.

On his introductory speech, Jennings mentioned 'earn and learn', a project undertaken by UNICEF for working children. This pioneering initiative was undertaken considering the social aspect of Bangladesh. As child labour provides a source of income for the poor family, instead of disapproving the fact, they decided to provide education to these kids.

"There are no proper libraries, entertainment or playgrounds for recreation. We the kids do not intend to stay locked up at home. So, does the government have any plans to minimise this problem?" Answering to this 'burning question' raised by the children, Nasrin Begum mentioned the need for the above stated items not only in Dhaka but all the 64 districts. With a limited budget, it is quite impossible. As there is an increase in population, a 'roof above the head' is given precedence over playground. The kids may however enjoy the small library facility provided by Shishu Academy in most of the districts, remarked Nasrin.

In another such question, they enquired about the role of the government regarding kids subject to child abuse, especially girls reporting cases of harassment. Nasrin pointed out the need to report immediately to the law enforcement agency on the above-mentioned situations. There is a law of imprisonment and even conviction to death on committing such crime. Moreover, as school children questioned about the money to file a case against abuse, Nasrin cited a point from the constitution that the government will provide legal representatives or provide the finance to run the case.

The speakers brought up a point asking the teachers to notify students of such laws and to make them aware of them. Nasrin asked the children to request the Media and Information Ministry to publish the regulations and rights.

A teacher then contributed a point mentioning that affluent families could spend a nominal amount of Taka 2000-3000, on house- help for facilitating vocational training, for example driving or mechanics and also provide them with a job.

The kids then concluded the programme stating some very important points.

They all agreed on the point, 'deserve to be raised by their parents rather than maids and felt that to be a significant right'.

In addition, they would like to see all these rights printed in their School Textbooks.

Further information about this can be found at www.hum anrights.britishcouncil.org.