Little citizens trained to become social activists

05 February, 2013

COVA and ICAN have been organizing annual programmes of 'Project Work' since 2012, by involving school students from member schools on some chosen social issues. The objective of involving students is to expose them to research methodology and enable them to use different research techniques in social sciences. This also provides them an opportunity to produce a systematic research document besides motivating them to consider the possibility of becoming social scientists.

This gives them an opportunity to gain proper and in-depth understanding of different social issues, and enables them to become socially conscious and responsible citizens to address and resolve specific social issues. This is the second year and the topics for the project work this time are ‘Bio-Diversity’, ‘Endangered Species (Flora and Fauna), Understanding the Making of the Mindsets of a Successful Person, Historical but neglected Monuments of Hyderabad and Nuclear Power.

Students of 8th to 10th standard from member schools of COVA participated in this programme organised on 4th February 2013 at Sana Garden Function Hall, near Charminar in Hyderabad. 82 Projects submitted by 168 students from 25 schools were displayed using record books, charts and thermo-cool sheets. Top three projects from each topic have been awarded.

According to Sr. State Coordinator Naseer Siddiqui, follow up programs will be organised in May- June to enable students to understand how to address different social issues and solve social problems through non-violent and democratic methods.

Ms. Katherine Dhanani, U.S Consulate General, Hyderabad inaugurated the programme as chief guest. She felt happy that the students have taken up the work of social activism at a tender age in school itself and encouraged the students to continue the sprit.

Mr. M. Dana Kishore, Commissioner, Information and Public Relations, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad graced the valedictory function as chief guest and distributed certificates and prizes. He gave a message of preserving environment and historical monuments as they are the real treasure, and asked the students to volunteer for protecting environment.

Mr. A.Nagender Reddy, Director, Salar Jung Museum graced the programme as guest of honour. He gave the message of social activism to the students who have really done a wonderful job by preparing the projects and presenting them to educate the masses.

The programme was presided over by Mr. Rama Rao, Member, Governing Body, COVA and Dr. Anand Raj Varma, Member Advisory Council, COVA in morning and evening sessions respectively. Ms. Naheed Banu, Treasurer, COVA thanked one and all who attended the programme.