Child Rights and You (CRY), an NGO that believes in every child’s right to have a childhood — to live, to learn, grow and play — have worked with parents and communities to ensure lasting change in the lives of underprivileged children, has kick- started a unique initiative recently. Titled ‘Soccer for Child Rights’, they had organised an exhibition match.
Speaking at the event, Suma Ravi, regional director, CRY, said, “Soccer for Child Rights has proved to be more than just a football game. It has motivated children to aim higher by interacting with the top honchos from corporate. We have witnessed transformational change in children, who are inspired to finish schooling and take up challenges for a better future.”
Kabali director, Pa Ranjith, who was the guest of honour, said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of this initiative as investing in children’s rights remains imperative in the development of any country. I strongly believe that sport is a means of eliminating various barriers to unite the society for a cause.”
The exhibition match was played between the boys and girls team of CRY’s on ground-partner SCSTEDS (Slum Children Sports Talent Education Development Society). Soccer for Child Rights, which started in 2014, has been conceptualised as a platform for youth and corporate employees to draw inspiration from each other.
Project SCSTEDS
The Slum Children Sports Talents Education Development Society along with CRY, aims to engage youth who can play an active role in addressing issues that impact children through sports. The project urges the youth in building their sporting potential, re-enrolling children back into school and monitoring malnutrition in the slum.
“We work in very critical geographies, in some of the most remote areas in India. We mark places in India where children are most vulnerable and then we decide to work there,” said Suma Ravi. “I believe that sports and art can be used as a tool by the marginalised people to attain their rights and freedom, and this should reach the children of such communities for development. Youngsters are responsible for this change and they should make the maximum use of it,” said Pa Ranjith. This year, the tournament is being held on the 21st and 22nd of January, where 27 corporate teams will compete with the SCSTEDS team. Over the years, SCSTEDS team has effectively used sports as a medium of empowerment for underprivileged children.
