*More than 170 UNICEF Child Reporters from 10 blocks across Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts participated in the summit, using creative performances and meaningful discussions to highlight child rights issues and what they have learnt from this programme.

UNICEF Jharkhand, in collaboration with Navbharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), organized a landmark child reporters’ summit titled “Voices of Change – Child Reporters of Jharkhand” at Hotel Holiday Home in Ranchi. The summit brought together over 170 child reporters from 10 blocks of Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts, creating a vibrant platform for young voices to spotlight child rights issues.

Designed to amplify the perspectives of children as informed advocates, the event featured dynamic performances, inspirational stories, and insightful panel discussions—each led by, and centred on, the lived experiences of the child reporters.

Children shared their views on challenges affecting their lives through a variety of creative formats including theme-based songs on child labour, child marriage poems, street plays (nukkad natak) on healthy diets, experience-sharing sessions, and powerful testimonies from parents and teachers. These highlighted the transformation seen in children’s confidence, communication, and awareness through the programme.

The event was graced by key stakeholders including, Mr. Shashi Ranjan, IAS, State Project Director, JEPC, Government of Jharkhand; Mr. Vinay Kumar, DEO, Ranchi; Mr. Badal Raj, DSE, Ranchi; Mr. Tony Premraj Toppo, DEO, West Singhbhum; Dr. Kaninika Mitra, Chief, UNICEF Jharkhand; Ms. Astha Alang, Communication Specialist, UNICEF; Ms. Parul Sharma, Education Specialist, UNICEF; Mr. Anand Abhinav, Programme Director, NBJK, along with BEEOs, BPOs, teachers, and parents from various blocks of Ranchi district. 

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Shashi Ranjan, IAS, State Project Director, JEPC, Government of Jharkhand, applauded the initiative and the young participants. “The confidence and awareness displayed by these child reporters is truly inspiring. Their stories reflect not just their personal growth but also the positive change they are driving within their communities. This initiative shows that children have enormous capabilities and possibilities, if they are trusted, supported, and given a platform to lead. It’s a reminder that listening to young voices can offer powerful insights into building more responsive and inclusive systems,” he said.

“We strongly believe that this initiative should be implemented in every district and every school, as it has the potential to protect children from child marriage, child labour, and other challenges that hinder them from realizing their full potential and fulfilling their dreams and this programme will enable children to become confident and vocal,” he added.

In an address that underscored the importance of systemic support for child-led initiatives, Dr. Kaninika Mitra, Chief of UNICEF Jharkhand, emphasized the transformative potential of children’s voices. She said, “Children have an inherent right to be heard - not as a token gesture, but as meaningful contributors to the decisions that affect their lives. 

The Child Reporters initiative is a powerful example of how, when given the opportunity and support, children can drive real change in their families, schools, and communities. Their insights are grounded in lived experience and offer unique perspectives that adults often overlook. It’s time we move beyond consultation and truly integrate children’s voices into planning, policy, and governance at every level.”

Briefing about the Child Reporter Programme, Ms. Astha Alang, Communication Specialist at UNICEF Jharkhand, shared the vision and broader impact of the initiative. 

She explained that the Child Reporters Programme, currently being implemented in 115 government schools across 22 blocks of Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts, including 15 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in West Singhbhum, is designed as a dynamic platform where children are not only educated about their rights but are also empowered to become active advocates for themselves and their peers. 
 
“The Child Reporters Programme is a space where children to transform from passive recipients of information into empowered change makers. Through tools like storytelling, peer engagement, and community-level advocacy, these young voices are challenging harmful norms, raising awareness, and inspiring action around child rights in their villages and schools”, said Ms. Astha Alang. 
 
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion facilitated by Ms. Parul Sharma, Education Specialist, UNICEF, and included participants Mr. Vinay Kumar, DEO Ranchi; Mr. Badal Raj, DSE Ranchi; Mr. Tony Prem Raj Toppo, DEO West Singhbhum; and a Child Reporter, Ananya Priya. 

They deliberated on pathways to institutionalize the Child Reporter initiative across all schools in Jharkhand, aiming to promote child rights and encourage community action on issues affecting children. Mr. Badal Raj said, “The Child Reporter initiative is a wonderful programme, and I would like to thank UNICEF for formulating it. We will consider expanding this initiative to all schools in Ranchi district.”

During the programme, the child reporters participated in a variety of engaging and powerful activities. These included - theme based songs and poems, stories of change, experience sharing on their growth and community transformation, street play (nukkad natak) and testimonies from teachers and parents highlighting the programme’s impact on children’s confidence, communication skills, and awareness.

The programme concluded with a moving performance of “Hum Honge Kamyab” by child reporters Anupriya and Vaishnavi, echoing the event’s theme of hope, resilience, and collective determination.