Welcome 2015: Happy New Year from CACR!

I recently chanced upon an article, titled ‘Has 25 years of children’s rights made any difference?.’ While the article mainly veered off from the inherent meaning of child rights by talking in depth about the United Nations Convention for Child Rights (UNCRC) and developmental and policy measures in support of the same, being on threshold of the start of the new year, one cant help but ponder the cogency of the question at hand.

It might have been 25 years since the UNCRC was passed but in reality, especially in a country such as ours, the concept of child rights and the importance of children is in its infancy.

We do have a suitable level of legislation in place to tackle with the issue of child rights, and the perceptions and awareness of people in pursuance of this cause are definitely rising.

At CACR itself, this year we saw active participation of approximately 100 volunteers from some of the best colleges across the city, in many of our programmes to improve the quality of lives of children.

We had the Computer Literacy Programme where we tied up with IIT-Bombay and we reached out to more than 300-400 children across BMC schools throughout the city to teach basic computing skills to them to equip them with computer literacy for their later lives. We also relentlessly chivied the matter of the quality of mid-day meals for the students of Municipal Corporation run schools and ensured the conduction of regular quality checks and filing of complaints for the benefit of the children.

We also had a campaign and organized shoes for children from over 5 municipal schools and encouraged them to participate in the Must-Run Marathon.

Seeing all such efforts being taken and success being achieved in the field of child rights’ upliftment, the fact that there is still a long way to go, is not so much disheartening as it as encouraging.

As we herald the coming of a new year, we also herald the coming of the myriad challenges, accomplishments, problems and pitfalls, victories and achievements, in the field of the rights of children. CACR as an organization, has spent each passing year tirelessly in pursuit of these endeavours, and we will strive to do the same this year as well.

A happy new year to one and all!

-Anand Banerjee is a intern with CACR, A education start-up working on the problems of child rights,education, and health. 

Website : www.ngocacr.com

Facebook :www.facebook.com/CitizensAssociationForChildRights

The Language Game

The debate over language is one that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. The current curriculum has mandatory a National language, Regional language, and a Global language. But what we are failing to focus on is that, the higher we climb the ladder of education, the importance of language diminishes.

Language is essential to communicate an idea, to broker a deal, or to bring a change. Apart from technical skills and multiple degrees, communicating fluently is not only essential but imperative. But this thinking takes a backseat in our syllabus as we pursue a graduate or post-graduate course.

Language is either made optional or not included in the studies. Currently, we hear about huge gaps in industry wants and students’ capabilities and one of the causes is language abilities. Students are unable to form correct, cohesive sentences, verbally or written, in either the national, regional, or global language. Performances in interviews or group discussions are dismal.

                    

It is important that we continue to refine ourselves by improving our current language skills and adding to our repertoire, by learning more languages.

For example, if you are part of IT industry, BPO, or KPO, then you are aware that most of the companies are situated in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. Most of the clientele are US and UK-based companies. So it is a necessity to learn the language of the customer and vendors/support staff who are residents of one of these places.

Similarly, if you are a part of the luxury retail segment, then learning a European language is an added advantage (most luxury retail brands are European based). Also the stores are either opened in Delhi or one of the metropolitan cities. Most of the clients communicate in English, so it is a must for store executives and managers to be fluent or proficient in it.

As a part of the hospitality industry, based on the location of your hotels/restaurant and your customer type (foreign or national), the staff should be able to communicate in the specific language. If you visit Goa, even a street vendor speaks in English as most of the tourists are foreigners.

Manufacturing facilities around the world have shifted their base to China or source their items from China so it is imperative for a purchase person to learn this language. As the whole world is shifting its focus on BRICS, specifically in India and China, learning the language is definitely beneficial for a career. As a part of the Social Service industry, it is important for you to know at least one language of each zone whose characters are similar to those of the other languages.

Most of the times, our level of comfort level is highest when we communicate in our mother tongue. We subconsciously feel more satiated to talk in our mother tongue or when we know our colleagues/ friends understand this language.

Movies like Lagaan, Kites, Chennai Express depict the barrier in communication if you do not know the language or have to depend on translators. Even actors are learning different languages to bring more sincerity in their roles.  Our movie industry has changed and dubs movie into different languages to reach wider audiences. Subtitles could have worked but they do not inculcate the same emotions or expressions.

It is time for students, institutions, and the Government to drop their proclivities and create a curriculum which focuses on languages, and effective communication based on the industry type.

- JZ is a volunteer with CACR, A education start-up working on the problems of child rights,education, and health. Website: www.ngocacr.com 

facebook.com/CitizensAssociationForChildRights