Football Match in Siliguri Promotes Awareness Against Child Labour

Siliguri, June 10: To mark the World Day Against Child Labour 2026, Seva Kendra, in collaboration with Salesian College, Siliguri, organized a friendly football match aimed at raising awareness against child labour and promoting children's rights.

Held under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour – Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” the event brought together representatives from the police, educational institutions, social organizations, and local communities to highlight the importance of protecting children and ensuring access to education.

The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Rev. Bishop Paul Simick, Rev. Fr. Naresh Beck, Fr. C.M. Paul, ACP Faruque Md. Chowdhury, ACP Anirban Mazumdar, and other officials from the police and SSB. Speakers emphasized that eliminating child labour is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of families, institutions, communities, and government agencies.

Addressing the gathering, ACP Faruque Md. Chowdhury encouraged participants to support child protection efforts and stressed the message, “Red Card to Child Labour and Green Card to Education.” He also highlighted educational support initiatives available for children in need.

The friendly football match was ceremonially kicked off by ACP Faruque Md. Chowdhury, with players wearing jerseys carrying anti-child labour messages. Participants included players from SSB, Salesian College, and several accomplished footballers from Gungaram, Panighatta, and Simulbari, including national-level players.

At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were distributed to all participants in recognition of their support for the cause. Organizers stated that the programme successfully engaged young people and strengthened community awareness, contributing to the collective effort to build a child labour-free society.