Conclave

State Annual
CHILD LEADERS'
Conclave
State Annual
CHILD LEADERS'

Process Documentation State-level Annual Child Leaders Conclave

Using Theatre In Education (TiE)

Compiled by:
Nikhil Kumar, Thematic Lead – Child Development

Design & Layout:

Patrick Hansda, Lead - Public Relations & Communications, Caritas India

© Caritas India, 2022

Contact us:
Caritas India
CBCI Centre,
1 Ashok Place, New Delhi 11000l
www.caritasindia.org
Conclave
State Annual
CHILD LEADERS'
Contents
FOREWORD
4
MESSAGE
5 PHASE 1: (TIE WORKSHOP)
13
6 14
PHASE 2: (TIE WORKSHOP)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

INTRODUCTION
8 18
9
THEATRE & CHILD
PARTICIPATION
FINAL
PRESENTATION

12 WAY FORWARD
23
METHODOLOGY
4

FOREWORD
This report is a process document of one of the key child participation approaches Caritas
India has taken which reflects processes that link adults’ specialist analysis of issues with
children’s own analysis and experiences through the medium of theatre.

Theatre in education (TiE) is one of the most important tools for empowering children.
Significantly, with the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child in 1989, a rights-based approach has acquired prominence in the child rights
discourse. When children are provided with the opportunity, necessary information, and
support, children can and do make a significant contribution to decisions affecting their
lives. TiE acts as a tool to facilitate children’s unheard voices through the medium of
theatre. The medium informs key duty bearers like government authorities, media, and
civil society actors to listen directly from children and make informed decision making.
Caritas India hired the service of Mr. Walter Peter an Artist Educator, Theatre Practitioner
India Book Record Holder, TEDx speaker, and Ex TIE Company Members of the
National School of drama to train children’s leaders, on the TiE TOT.

Caritas India is running a child rights program across the 6 districts in the Indian state of
West Bengal, namely Darjeeling (Siliguri), Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Murshidabad, (U)
Dinajpur, and 24 Parganas (North), comprising 25 Revenue blocks, 41 Gram Panchayats,
and 164 villages.

Caritas India has used TiE (Theatre in Education) as a tool for engaging with children for
child-led advocacy through children collectives. The children with the medium of theatre
are presenting grass-roots issues in front of the stakeholders, especially duty bearers. Many
children who have gone through a TiE training workshop first at the community level and
then in Kolkata have been happy simply and are making new plays together, through
collective improvisation now in villages.

Through this, children showcase and make vocal their issues affecting them and thus
leading to better protection. Encouraging them to articulate their concerns and demands
for safe and accessible mechanisms for challenging violence and abuse.

We as adults commonly underestimate children’s abilities but are positively amazed when
faced with their active participation and contributions.

Caritas believes and upholds the fact that children are the best agents in bringing about
social transformation. There is no better way to make their issues highlighted and influence
stakeholders, especially the duty bearers.
Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely
Executive Director
Caritas India
5

MESSAGE
The TiE (Theatre in Education) process document is our creative support for the most
marginalized children. This support to our child leaders has resulted in bringing voices
from the grass-root in front of duty bearers. The TiE is a medium through which children
can effectively communicate their fears, hopes, and desires. The Theatre workshop at the
partner level and the final presentation in Kolkata were filled with creativity but
underneath all the celebration and the creativity, the final presentation being performed
asked some very hard questions about the rampant negligence of child rights in society.

The theatre in education provides a platform for the underprivileged children to engage,
get involved, and more importantly, build an understanding of the issues faced by them
and their peers on a day-to-day basis. The objective of this Theatre in education workshop
was to strengthen the voices of children in realizing their dream of getting rights and equal
opportunities through child participation. It creates an environment in which children gain
confidence to get rid of their inhibitions and leads them to share the joys and challenges
they face while accessing simple things in life.

In the final presentation 30 child leaders from Caritas project areas, came together to
attend a four-day-long children's workshop with Mr. Walter Peter (Ex Member, TIE,
National School of Drama) which culminated in sharing their experiences of school,
society their expectations, triumphs from the habitation they belong. The final
presentation in front of duty bearers asked many important questions and forced them to
go with the resolution to do something for child rights.

We at Caritas India will continue to bring such creative pursuits to our children. So that the
children's voices are strengthened in front of duty bearers.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura

Asst. Executive Director
Caritas India
6

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Children's engagement is critical to the success of any initiative we
undertake since they are seen as change agents thus Caritas India extends its
sincere gratitude to our budding child leaders, their parents who keenly and
willingly collaborated in this Theatre in Education Workshop.

Our sincere appreciation to our stakeholders Child Protection Committee

members, government officials from Department of Labour, West Bengal,
Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Juvenile Justice Board
Members and Child Welfare Committee members, NGOs, INGOs,
academicians, media, eminent dignitaries, and guests for their participation
in the Annual State Children's Conclave

Theatre in Education (TiE) Laa Po Laa workshop was designed by Mr.

Walter Peter – Director and Founder Laa Po Laa TiE, India as a lead
facilitator. He is an ex-faculty of the National School of drama1 and uses
theatre in education for making child participation a reality. We are thankful
to him for working with us and our children's collective members.

We at Caritas India are thankful to our partners for making the Annual State
Children's Conclave a success. We also like to thank Fr. Paul Moonjely
Executive Director of Caritas India and Fr. Jolly Puthenpura Assistant
Executive Director, Caritas India for believing in this concept of child
participation and being always open to bringing in new innovations in the
project area.

“Finally, we would like to convey our heartfelt Gratitude to Caritas

Germany, whose support has immensely helped us in our endeavor
towards realizing Child rights in West Bengal”

1
Theatre In Education Company (Sanskar Rang Toli) of National School of Drama was established on October 16, 1989, and is one of the important educational resource
centers in the country.TIE Company consists of a group of actor-teachers working with and performing for children. The major focus of TIE Company is to perform creative,
curriculum-based, and participatory plays in schools specially designed and prepared for children of different age groups. The major thrust of the plays is to create an
atmosphere to encourage children, to raise questions, make decisions and choices with an awareness of themselves within the larger society.
7
8

INTRODUCTION
Caritas India, since its inception in 1962 The project has undertaken the below approaches to improve child
strives to create a protective and participation in the project area:
empowering environment for children
from marginalized communities, in states FORMATION OF CHILDREN GROUPS: Children groups have
like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, been formed at the community level as a primary institution for working
Delhi, Odisha, and Assam focusing on towards building the culture of child participation in the community.
local issues of disaster risk reduction, These children groups give children a platform to learn and express
education, malnutrition, child marriage, themselves. It helps them to emerge as champions for becoming agents
peacebuilding, trafficking and child labor. of change, primarily at the community level.

Caritas India presently is running ' INVOLVEMENT OF CHILD LEADERS: Child leaders in children's
SUROKHIT SHAISHAV ' Promoting groups are selected based on the child's merit and capability, irrespective
Safe Childhood in West Bengal – A child of their social group. From the inception of any programme, child
rights program across the 6 districts in the leaders are given an orientation along with other children on the project's
Indian statet of West Bengal, namely goal, objectives, school sessions, events, and campaigns on a regular basis.
Darjeeling (Siliguri), Kalimpong,
Alipurduar, Murshidabad, (U) Dinajpur, The project regularly works with children and children from the locality
and 24 Parganas (North), comprising 25 are treated as co-traveler in the project implementation. On a regular
Revenue blocks, 41 Gram Panchayats, and basis, the Project Team together with children collectives identifies the
164 villages with an aim to work towards Risk and Vulnerability on which the future course of action of a program
the abolition of child labor in all forms in at the community level is planned. The project regularly builds the
the state by establishing effective child capacity of child leaders through various planned activities like
protection systems and promoting Leadership training, Debate discussions, and co-curricular activities.
children's rights to education, inclusive
development, and social participation. The As a part of the process to further build the capacity of children groups
project is covering 45047 Households TiE (Theatre in Education) workshop with child leaders was organized.
that will cover the total population of This workshop will help children to express themselves in the group by
213,019 (Males- 108881 & Females – using theatre as a medium. The children who learned this form of child
104138); with 76672 total child participation are taking this with other children in their locality. This
population, 28336 aged below 6 years, and entire process is having the potential to become organic and as observed
48336 aged 7-18 years. till now is equally popular among children and their duty bearers.
9

THEATRE & CHILD

PARTICIPATION

Children are having a different approach to participation.

This is especially difficult for children who are survivors. To INSPIRATIONAL
revisit the trauma through an interpersonal approach is very
difficult. Sometimes it is difficult for children to come
forward and speak for themselves like adults. Also, Children
who are silenced and passive can be abused by adults with
CHALLENGES
relative impunity. Supporting them with information,
PERCEPTIONS
encouraging them to articulate their concerns, and
introducing safe and accessible mechanisms for challenging
violence and abuse are key strategies for providing effective
protection. Theatre is one such medium which is having the Theatre in
potential to overcome these barriers. Education
TiE
Theatre in Education (TiE) movement was first pioneered by
the Belgrade in 1965, as a way to use theatre and drama to DELIVERS
create a range of learning opportunities for young people. IMPORTANT
The delivered a free TiE service to schools across Coventry MESSAGES
between 1965 and 19962.

The Theatre in Education movement soon spread to theatres LEARNING

across the UK. Then to broader settings across the globe. CUM
Inspiring a wide range of interactive theatre with children and FUN
young people. Encouraging and empowering them to
investigate challenging situations for themselves3.

2
https://www.wearegibber.com/blog/what-is-theatre-in-education/
3
http://www.ntccorporate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ECU_the_use_of_theatre_in_education_a_review_of_the_evidence.pdf
10

Theatre in Education (TiE)4

Assist children in learning that excites them, thus making them more
aware of their concerns and present key/ strong message before duty
bearers and compel them to reflect on their behariour and take action.

TiE creates change in perception attitudes and behaviour. Improves Self

esteem by using drama as a learning tool.

Aids children in delivering important message that is easily understood

and remembered. Children's inquiry skills are developed and they start
questioning what influences them which impacts their behaviour and
attitudes towards life.

Combines learning with fun making it an enjoyable experience for Child

Leaders/ Child Collectives , thus fostering healthy participation.

FIRST
Children engaged in economic
activity may be able to protect
themselves better against
exploitation and abuse through
the TiE workshop.

SECOND THIRD
Children, when provided with Adults commonly under-estimate
the opportunity, necessary children’s capacities and are
information, and support, can positively impressed when faced
and do make a significant with children’s active
contribution to decisions contributions .
affecting their lives.

4
LaaPOLaa: http://laapolaatie-india.com/
11
12

METHODOLOGY
On 17th December 2021, Caritas India organized its Annual State level Children
Conclave 2021 , for its child leaders from 6 districts of West Bengal – Darjeeling
Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur, Murshidabad and 24 Parganas (North ) . Over
86 participants and 35 child leaders participated in this mega event at Kolkata.

This Conclave gave an opportunity to children to showcase and make vocal their issues
affecting them and encourage them to articulate their concerns and demands for safe and
accessible mechanisms for better protection from violence and abuse.

Caritas India is grateful to Mr. Walter Peter for introducing TiE (Theatre in Education)
for engaging with children for child-led advocacy through children collectives. The
journey began on 1st December 21, with the first child leader workshop at Kolkata Mary
Ward Social Centre, Kolkata, Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samiti, Krishnagar
Cathedral Charitable Social Society, Social Welfare Institute Raigunj, Seva Kendra Siliguri,
Bal Surakshya Abhiyan and completing the final at Anugyalaya Darjeeling Diocesan
Social Service Society on 10th December 2021.
13

PHASE 1: (TIE WORKSHOP)

In phase-1 from 1st December 2021-
11th December 2021 (At the partner
Level) Walter Peter visited all the 7
partners working across the 6 districts.
The idea was to do a preliminary
workshop for a day and to identify
children for the mega event in Kolkata
for a period of 4 days. Also, in phase-1
of the workshop, local issues were
identified to make a collective pitch in
front of the duty bearers. In phase-1
approx. 500 children were touched
upon across locations and an
introduction was made to theatre.
14

PHASE 2: (TIE WORKSHOP)

Phase 2: 13th December 2021- 17th December 2021

35 Child Leaders performed in front of different stakeholders – government, INGOs, NGOs Academicians, media, and
individuals' welcome song and three plays. Three plays were prepared based on the issues identified in phase-1 and
phase-2.

THEME 1: THEME 2: THEME 3:

Every child to be in school's Kaam 'Mujhe Toh abhi khelna tha; Finale being 'Koi Mauka nehi
Nehi Kitaab Chahiye' I want par…' I wanted to play now hun mai… Jimmedari Hun teri…'
books not Work …' showcasing …but, children presented their I am your responsibility, Don't
the plight of child labor on one desire to play and enjoy their treat me as an object,
hand as well as their dreams and childhood, but are chained in the highlighting the issue of child
aspirations. The play showcased the bond of early/child marriage and abuse – physical and emotional
need for and importance of abuse by adults. Girl child abuse. Children's dream for
schooling for children. It promoted education is very much clear that the education participation is a process
the health and well-being of girl child is discriminated against where children can freely express and
children, including academic and from the earliest stage of life, also have an influence on a decision
personal growth, critical thinking and through her childhood and into her that brings about a change in their
analytical skills, and the motivation to adulthood. The play drew the lives. It is a combination of different
stay in school and excel. Schooling is attention of the audience towards approaches where their voices are
still an unrealized dream for many, this discrimination and highlighted heard to address the issues that affect
and the benefits associated with it are the need of education of girl them. The play focused on the
still unmet. The first play was a children. It focused on the dreams importance of the voices of children
depiction of challenges faced by and aspirations of girl children to get as they are the future and thus it is
children and their desire to attend educated and how society can give extremely important for society to
schools, to get educated so that they flight to their dreams. work together to ensure we save
grow up as responsible individuals. their childhood.
15

The following components were

included during four days'
workshop:-

13th Dec 21: Day 1: Open House:

Interaction with child leaders on
burning issues related to children.

o Three main issues were selected

by children , namely:-
l Child Marriage & Missing
Children
l Child Labour
l Child Abuse

14th and 15th Dec 21: Day 2, Day 3: Through interactive discussion with
child leaders - Thought, Theme, and Ideas were developed along with its
character and language with facilitation from Mr. Walter Peter – Lead
Facilitator. Dance was also incorporated within the drama.

o Music and Song were simultaneously composed by external musicians

o Preparation: Stage step up, costumes, and special effects. Song's rehearsals

16th Dec 21: Day 4: Rehearsal on

stage at Rotary Sadan , Kolkata
with full costume and special
effects.
16

Designing of Theatre by and with children

SESSIONS ARRANGEMENT IN THE HALL

o In a circle–breathing exercise (Breathing in o A tumbler of warm water (as it was
and breathing out ) was done to relax the winter)
mind and body with eyes closed. – 3 – 5 o Bottles of Glucose Water – to avoid
mins dehydration
o Humming sound – was done to clear the o Floor mat / Durries for sitting
vocal cords and also to smoothen it. – 5 -8 o Dustbins
mins o First Aid box – assigned to one Team
o Flexing of the ankle by rotating it Leader ( Adult)
clockwise and anti-clockwise – 5 – 10 mins o Sound System – stand and a cordless mike
o Light jogging and loosening of hands and
legs (doing it at the same place)
o Ending by Prayer / Prayer song
17

Sessions: Creation, composition, and practice of Drama /Song/Dance -Themes

From day one the themes/issues to be presented before the audience was finalized with the consent of children and
program team members. Visit partner location aided in getting the pulse of the issues concerning child Labour.

Lead facilitator Mr. Walter Peter once again reinforced the power of 'LaaPoLaa' that is among all to reignite it. The first
play on Child Labour was developed.

Each day pointers were placed before children (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4)
1. What do they understand by child labour?
2. What are the different types of labour, in which children are involved?
3. Which all among them will you take and show to the audience to bring about change/transformation?
4. Developing plot/scene
5. Selection of actors
6. Developing small script – in Hindi, and Bengali
7. Background music also is now incorporated along with the composition of a song by TiE Musicians
8. Learning the song and dance movement
9. Doing with props – Red and Green dupatta and Placards
18

FINAL PRESENTATION
The Conclave started with the Welcome song
cum dance by children -Iss Jahan ke liye…

The Conclave set the example of a child-centric – with and by children program wherein the entire show was directed by
them. They were the scriptwriters, lead and supporting actors, and singers.

Mr. Nikhil Kumar, Thematic Lead Child Development Caritas India in his keynote address share
about Caritas India's Pan India presence since 1962, empowering and creating a protective space
for children from marginalized communities in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,
Delhi, Odisha, Assam. “Our child rights program, Surokhit Shaishav , aims at abolishing child
labour in all forms by establishing effective child protection systems and promoting children's
right to education, inclusive development, and increased social participation in 6 districts of West
Bengal. Today Caritas India along with Theatre in Education (TIE) India has given our child
leaders and opportunity to build their self-esteem and confidence to express their issues and
concerns especially on child labour. This unique conclave has provided space for children voices
to be heard by relevant authorities for taking immediate steps …”
19

With these opening notes, dignitaries were called and felicitated with Uttoria
by child leaders to Mrs. Bulbul Soren, Assistant Secretary, West Bengal
Commission for Protection of Child Rights ( WBCPCR), Mr. Prabhat Kumar ,
Social Policy Specialist – UNICEF, Mrs. Soma Bhowmick Child Welfare
Committee Chairperson – Murshidabad, Mrs. Jaya Majumdar – Juvenile Justice
Board – Ex Member Howrah District and Mr Pallav Karmakar, Senior
Manager Advocacy- International Justice Mission, Kolkata.

For Caritas India, Theatre in

Education was a new tool, a tool
for transformation in education
for children. Mr Walter Peter,
Director and Founder Theatre in
Education shared his journey, '
LaaPoLaa is the 'Tool'.
As this was the first of a kind for child leaders of West Bengal two-child
leaders shared their experience journey with LaaPoLaa. Soon after the We used participation is used as a
felicitation, children performed the welcome dance titled “Is Jahan je ke liye. tool in drama.
Children will lead the campaign
of Child rights in their groups
and change will happen and
come from children. We are for
This was followed by experiential children and with children, but
sharing my Master Dibyendu Mondal - here children are the creators and
“I am from a very remote village in makers of their own world.” The
Murshidabad district, I am a member uniqueness of this process is that
of a children club. Today I feel happy there is no script. Children
to share my feeling with all present themselves have prepared their
here. This workshop has helped me script and its remarkable! . I
gain self-confidence and express my thank Caritas for this opportunity
feeling and concerns about child labor. to facilitate and share my tool
with 35 child leaders from West
Bengal'.
20

Later in the next play children

presented the plight of child labor
titled “ Kam nahi Kitab
Chahiya… the play depicted
physical and mental exploitation
and abuse perpetrated to children.
It powerfully showcased a girl
child's struggle for education.

Soon it was followed by a

testimonial from Ms. Puja Murmu

“I am thankful to Caritas India for

organizing this event for us.”
expressed by Miss Puja Murmu,
Child leader, Pragati Children Club
Siliguri. I am very happy to be here,
thankful to Caritas India and
LaaPoLaa team for giving me this
opportunity to learn.

Earlier I was terrified to come

forward and speak in front on
people, but theatre in education
workshop has taught me to be
confident and today I am here
speaking to all and sharing my
experience.”
21

Second play yet another representation stopping child

marriage and girl child education - 'Mujhe Toh abhi khelna
tha; par…' I wanted to play now …but, children presented
their desire to play and enjoy their childhood, but are
chained in the bond of early/child marriage and abuse by
adults. They questioned I am a child, I too have the right to
live and right to education.

This was followed by speech from

Mr Prabhat Kumar – UNICEF
Social Policy Specialist
'What I saw here today was sheer This was followed by day's
MAGIC! , it was so inspirational ! final theatrical extravaganza
were opening words from Mr. where children enacted on
Prabhat Kumar Social Policy child abuse titled “ Kio
Specialist – UNICEF. mauka nahi hum mai …
jemmedari hun mia teri…
'Children have the right to reflected the issue of child
participation. Participation is the abuse -physical mental and
pathway for children, not only to emotional.
express their issues concerning them
but also to actively participate in all The performance
processes and dialogue. powerfully pointed out that
the safety of children
This experience needs to be especially girl's child is
amplified with other children across everyone's responsibility.
23 districts in WB “He thanked The culmination was with a
children leaders for their hard work song thanking Caritas India.
and an exemplary musical team of
TIE India.
22

Finally, Mrs. Bulbul Soren, Assistant The National Conclave ended by all guests present taking a pledge
Secretary West Bengal Commission for against Child Labour saying No to Child Labour
Protection of Child Rights addressed the
need for awareness on child labour and
child marriage at family and community
level. ' A family aware on child issues will
lead children into right direction.

She encourages children to take this

opportunity to share this learnings with
their friends. Learn, enjoy, and share this
knowledge with all our friends.

35 child leaders received certificate of

participation from Mrs Bulbul Soren,-
Assistant Secretary WBCPCR, Mr
Prabhat Kumar – UNICEF Mrs Jaya
Majumdar Ex Member- JJ Board Howrah
Dist. and Mrs Soma Bhowmik
Chairperson CWC- Murshidabad &
Director SPMUS.
23

Way Forward
“Sometimes the plays speak what everybody knows; sometimes they speak what nobody says.
Sometimes they open paths or unveil truths; sometimes they challenge the way things are done
or understood”
Leonard and Kilkelly

Caritas India believes that anything for children cannot be without Children. Hence, it envisions Children at the
Central of the ecosystem and other primary, secondary, and tertiary influencers on the child as part of the
ecosystem. Caritas India and Partners together we commit to building a caring and sharing community with
children and For Children.

In the coming months and years, Child Leaders across 6 districts of West Bengal will positively influence
mindsets of key stakeholders who interact with child laborers closely viz. families, community/samaj, law
enforcement agencies through this methodology. This in turn will strengthen convergence between children,
community, and service providers – at the Micro-level with Panchayats Block and District Officials and at the
macro level with State-level commissions and elected representatives.
Glimpses
CBCI Centre, 1 Ashok Place
New Delhi 110001
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.caritasindia.org