Awaaz do

Awaaz Do (English translation: Speak up) is an initiative taken by UNICEF to mobilize Indian society to speak up for the more than eight million children currently out of school in the country.

History

The landmark passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 has made education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6 and 14 and specifies minimum norms in elementary schools.^[1] Still, an estimated eight million children (6 to 14 years) in India were out-of-school in 2009.^[2][3]

Launch

The campaign is being launched by UNICEF, with the support of the Government of India. “Awaaz Do” means “Speak Up” in Hindi and is symbolized by a megaphone logo. The Awaaz Do on-line campaign was launched on October 19, 2010. At the launch, Urmila Sarkar, UNICEF’s Chief of Education said^[4]

"UNICEF is working with the Government of India to outline a roadmap for implementing RTE at the national and state level. However, the success of this act is also largely dependent on collective action. The Awaaz Do campaign is a platform for the combined voices of the government, the corporate world, the media and individuals to become an undeniable force to ensure every child is in school."

Vision

The initiative is all about the power of words that can help change the lives of 8 million children who are not in school yet.^[5] The online Awaaz Do campaign aims at use of technology and social networking that allows citizens to get actively involved and demand the rights for children who are excluded and marginalized.

Support

Besides Government of India, several corporates, celebrities, social activists, and general public have come forward to support the movement. UNICEF celebrity ambassador, Priyanka Chopra, and Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resource Development, have signed up as an Awaaz Do champions to garner support.^[6]

Several corporate and media houses have partnered with UNICEF to endorse the cause. Tata Teleservices, Barista Lavazza, Park Hotels, Tupperware are urging their customers to speak up. Disney network and Chandamama are asking their viewers and readers - primarily children - to spread awareness on the campaign. Many leading corporates, such as CPA Global, are encouraging their employees to sign up. Radio City and Planet RadioCity.com are connecting with each one of their listeners across its 20 stations to take the online pledge and be part of the change. Photography and short-film contests are also being organized with prizes sponsored by Canon.^[7]

Till April, 2010, More than 258 thousand people have joined the campaign through online Awaaz Do website.^[8]

See also

• Unicef
• RTE act

References