TIKAPUR: Children in Tikapur have urged local government representatives to prioritize policies, programs, and budget allocations aimed at improving access to quality education for all.
They made the appeal while presenting their concerns ahead of the upcoming fiscal year, calling for special attention to poor, orphaned, and vulnerable children in municipal planning and budgeting.
Binita Chaudhary said the municipality should focus on improving children’s health and nutrition, while also strengthening policies and programs to prevent child marriage, child labour, and violence against children.
Similarly, Nirmala BK stressed the need for stronger protection mechanisms against sexual abuse and exploitation, noting that children remain highly vulnerable to sexual violence. Another student, Kiran Lonia, demanded that every school be equipped with libraries, playgrounds, and facilities for arts and cultural activities, along with greater investment in leadership development for children.
She also raised concern over the prevalence of child marriage in some communities, stating that many girls are still deprived of education and forced into early motherhood. She urged the municipality to raise awareness in affected communities and increase investment in education and health.
Dipu Chaudhary of Kailari Rural Municipality called for special support programs for children with disabilities. He also requested that children be included in local planning processes such as settlement-level meetings and ward discussions. He further highlighted inadequate drinking water and sanitation facilities in schools, noting that poorly maintained toilets remain a serious concern.
Children also expressed concern over rising cyber risks and online abuse, calling for awareness programs on safe internet use. They further demanded the appointment of female focal teachers in schools to support menstrual hygiene management.
The concerns were raised during a programme recently organised in Bhajani. Participants said inadequate classroom facilities, including a lack of fans during summer, poor sanitation, and ongoing practices such as Chhaupadi, are affecting their education.
The programme was organised by World Vision International Nepal and the Child Welfare Association Tikapur under the Hand in Hand and Integrated Development Programme for Child Prosperity in Kailali.
Speaking at the event, Bhajani Municipality’s Women and Children Branch Chief Riju Chaudhary said that cases of child marriage, substance abuse, school dropout, and child suicide are on the rise.
Deputy Mayor Raju Tiruwa said the municipality has been implementing programmes to encourage behavioural change in communities, particularly in settlements where child marriage is more prevalent. He said initiatives targeting awareness and social incentives are ongoing and will be expanded further.
Mayor Kewal Chaudhary said the municipality is serious about addressing children’s concerns and assured that efforts would be made to improve schools and respond to the issues raised in coordination with the education branch.
Child Welfare Association Protection Officer Indraraj Joshi said the programme aims to protect children at risk and ensure their continued access to education. He added that campaigns are ongoing to increase child participation, provide life skills education for adolescents, and address issues such as child marriage, child labour, violence, and abuse, calling for collective cooperation to strengthen the initiative.
Vice-Chairperson of Kailari Rural Municipality, Bhagawati Kumari Chaudhary, said the municipality is conducting programmes for support, health check-ups, and capacity development for extremely poor and orphaned children. She added that children are being encouraged to participate in local planning processes to help incorporate their needs into municipal plans.
Ward Chair of Kailari-8, Taramal Kathariya, assured that priority would be given to issues such as child marriage and drug control, and said efforts would be made to address feasible demands raised by children. Ward member Laxmi Chaudhary said she was encouraged to hear many of the concerns raised by children for the first time.
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