Rights corner
Establishing Child Rights
"Let children speak"
Shishu Prokash, a news agency for children has been established with the slogan Let children speak, which is the first ever child news agency of Bangladesh as well as in Asia. It started its activities from May 2005 and Mass-Line Media Centre (MMC), a media focused organization with the support of UNICEF initiated Shishu Prokash. The organization took this initiative in order to address child and adolescent rights issues to the people through disseminating information in media, especially in newspapers both at the national and local level. Besides, it was assessed that in the changing world of journalism there is high need of developing the journalists of the country in relation to child rights focused journalism, especially those who are working at the local level of the country.
Through Shishu Prokash' reporting of any violation of child and adolescent rights, awareness of people are increasing and in most cases necessary steps have been taken by the concern authorities. Children's participation has been ensured not only in the media but also in other forums such as: families, schools, peer groups, cultural activities and what not. Livelihood skill of the children has also improved. The activities encouraged newspaper houses to highlight reports regarding child and adolescents rights issues. It brought the media workers and the children in a common platform from which they could work mutually in improving the media and social activism to establish child rights in the society.
During the period of this phase, the Shishu Prokash Team of Pabna was rewarded a local award named Bhasha Sainik O Sangbadik Mahmub Khan Padak for the year 2006; three Child Reporters of Dhaka team have participated in the ToT program on United Nations Girls Education Initiative held in Nepal; again, with the help of community support Shishu Proakash unit of Rajbari launched a branch office; three new class rooms have been constructed in the Bhola Shishu Kallyan Primary School after a news was published regarding the problems of that school; two Child Journalists of Sathkhira have been appointed as staff reporters in two local newspapers - these are the some of Shishu Prokash' achievements. Though these achievements may be seem to be considered in a very small scale, but in the context of Shishu Prokash we are honored and inspired by these.
Apparently it was a significant task to develop 933 child journalists all over the country. The objectives of the program almost have been able to find out the creative and factual children minds of the country. Though some constraints and limitations were observed, all of the activities have been completed according to work plan.
Since its inception, Shishu Prokash devoted itself to pick-up the situation of children according to the CRC principle of marginalized, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including urban slum dwellers, refugees, tribal groups and those living in remote and inaccessible areas. During this period Shishu Prokash also emphasized on the success and achievement story of children. Through publishing these Child Rights based in-depth and investigative reports Shishu Prokash contributes for the establishment of the rights of the children in Bangladesh.
Throughout the project period an effective and strong Child Rights Desk of Shishu Prokash has been established at central level for its smooth operation and easy and free flow of information on child and adolescent issues. This desk provided need-based reference support to the journalists all over Bangladesh. Through this support Shishu Prokash developed strong relationship with national newspaper houses, local journalists and other stakeholders.
Development objective of Shishu Prokash
* The respect for human rights especially for child rights improved in the society through pro-active media and social activism.
Immediate objectives of Shishu Prokash
* Child and adolescent rights issues highlighted in an increased manner to the public to find solution against hindrances towards establishing child rights in the society.
* Developed network among the media, children and civil society to enhance the flow of information in the media on child and adolescent rights issues.
Above all, Shishu Prokash has been significant in terms of establishing child rights following all the aspects of CRC. As this was the first attempt of developing children as journalists in Bangladesh, it holds immense significance and demands continuation of the activities to train up and find out the next generation of journalists of Bangladesh.
Source: Shishu Prokash, an initiative of Mas Line Media Centre and UNICEF.
