Jamshedpur, Dec. 13: Ambuj Kumar, a Class IX student of Kerala Samajam Model School (KSMS) in Sakchi, has vowed to protest child labour. His classmate Amisha Kumari will ensure no child falls prey to abuse, sexual or otherwise.

Thanks to Unicef Jharkhand, which today hosted a workshop to mark its 70th anniversary and create awareness among students about child rights and social evils, around 250 KSMS students voiced serious concerns.

The workshop, held in association with mass communication department of Karim City College, saw the presence of around 250 students from Classes IX, X and XI.

Chief of Unicef Jharkhand Madhulika Jonathan; city-based litterateur C. Bhaskar Rao; principal of KSMS Nandini Shukla and head of mass communication department of Karim City College Neha Tiwari, also attended the workshop.

Unicef's Jonathan told the children that according to a study there were 20 lakh uneducated children and four lakh child labourers in Jharkhand. "We request you not to turn a blind eye but speak up for child rights," she said.

The children agreed. "Even though we have not been victims of harassment, it doesn't mean other children are safe. It was shocking to hear there are around four lakh child labourers in Jharkhand. I also came to know about Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act. From now on, I promise to raise my voice against any form of child labour," said Ambuj.

This apart, mass communication students of Karim City College staged two plays - Lalua ki Shaadi and Bal Adhikar - as part of Unicef's Campus Knowledge Initiative.

While Lalua ki Shaadi was a comic take on how an educated family turns down a marriage proposal for their daughter because the groom's house lacks a toilet, Bal Adhikar shed light on child labour. Two shorts films on child rights namely Bojh and Beej were also screened at the workshop.

"The whole event was an eye-opener. From now on, if I ever come across any child related problems, I will immediately inform my elders or seek police help," said Amisha.