CELEBRATING CHILDHOOD AND CHAMPIONING CHILD RIGHTS
Vidiyal was founded with the objective to reach out to the street and working children of Madurai, has liberated many children from poverty, bondage, oppression, abuse and social exclusion. Vidiyal today stands as a Child Rights organization working for the implementation of the Juvenile Justice [Care and Protection of Children] Act 2015, hosting the Reception Home. The rights based approach of Vidiyal focuses on building self-esteem of children from socially excluded communities. Its Child Education Centers cater to the developmental needs of children from under privileged areas in and around Madurai. Marking the 30th year, a community celebration was organized on 28th January 2024 at Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, the Children of Vidiyal Child Rights Movement, our Volunteers from the Muhangal forum and alumni from the Olirum Muhangal forum made presentations on how Child Rights in practice influenced their lives as children. There was a colourful display of talents through dance by the children of Vidiyal. The play by our Children’s theatre troupe “Sangiligal” (Chains) brought out the issue of social exclusion in schools and in the larger society and called for attention to break the chains of casteism. Jenifer memorial award was presented to Mr.Jeganesan, a social activist. A compilation of testimonies by voluntary organizations was released into a book titled ‘Power of Words’
