|
Mukti Caravan is a troupe of 8-10 activists who would perform skits, plays etc.to generate awareness among the public in the vernacular. The theatre troupe of activists interlace the message of eradication of child labour and provision of education through innovative skits, plays, songs, puppet show, etc. The activists, most of who were formerly child labourers themselves relate several anecdotes and stories to the village folk. These interactive sessions are complemented by extensive dissemination of information, education and communication (IEC) material in the form of pamphlets, posters, brochures, wall writing and audio cassettes. Material leading to legal awareness, i.e. relevant laws, wherever applicable are also distributed.
Mukti Caravan is the first campaign of its kind to generate awareness on the issue of child labour. It generates awareness among the appropriate target groups i.e. households in villages from where children are sent to work at the supply end and in areas where they end up working, i.e. the unorganised sectors like zari embroidery units, etc. in urban areas at the demand side. Through their interaction with the people and collection of complaints which are then forwarded to the relevant government authorities, the activists help in pressurising the government machinery. This combination of grassroots awareness and building pressure on the policy makers is innovative in approach. The hallmark of the Mukti Caravan is that former child labourers turned activists spread the relevant message. Sustainable change in society can only be achieved when the victims themselves rise against the exploitation perpetrated upon them. These activists often build plays and skits revolving around their former lives most of which bear resemblance in terms of the cruel treatment meted out to them. This helps take the message straight to the effected audience. The fact that the activists have become empowered through education also gives hope to hapless parents regarding the future prospects for their children.
The major obstacles to remove child labour is its acceptance in the society by the majority and the lack of awareness about the child labour situation in general. Through their performance, the Mukti Caravan activists sensitises the society about the problem and generate legal and social awareness. The involvement of the primary stakeholder- the children is another pioneering effort of Mukti Caravan. The Mukti Caravan team establishes a network of village youth, Panchayat members and other community stakeholders in the target villages and works towards a child friendly society. Since its inception in 1998, the Mukti Caravan has travelled far and wide in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh touching primarily the carpet belt which had rampant child labour. Then it has also extensively covered Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi. Through the efforts of Mukti Caravan and the school enrolment drives by the team, 30,000 children have been enrolled in schools. |
