Become a Child Ambassador

What does a Child Ambassador do?

A 'child ambassador' according to us is a child with two roles - one is the role of a representative and another than of a promoter (of a specified activity/subject).

We plan seasonal "subjects" on which the child ambassadors can work upon. For Example: "Consent", "boys=girls", public transport, cycling and non-discrimination". We will plan this subject based on the age criteria as well. They can use their creativity and imagination to spread awareness on the same to their friends, family and neighbourhood. Let's say, their creativity tells them "Make a poster", they can make one. They want a "Street Play", that will be great too. Any initiative - small or big, will be useful and appreciated heartily. Now, this here is the role of a 'promoter'.

In the process of the same activity, we will encourage our ambassadors to receive feedback and suggestions from their "peers and other children". Here, the 'ambassador' plays the role of their representative, consolidating and acknowledging interesting feedback from their circles and sharing it in the larger group of child ambassadors.

Children have the right to be heard by the decision makers. Considering this they can draft online and offline petitions to decision makers as a representative too! It also grooms them to be active citizens eventually without any compromises on their other interests and time commitments.

This initiative targets to give children 'participatory rights' guaranteed to them by the UN Convention of the Rights of the child.

How does a Child Ambassador receive their inputs?

We will plan meets online via zoom or skype and share updates and offline content via whatsapp and by India Post. The online meets will give the children a chance to interact with other children across geographies as time progresses. We do not prefer long screen times and hence such meetings will be periodic and for limited frequencies. Parents are free to oversee our meetings with children though we request them not to interfere in the child's thought processes. We will be happy to receive their feedback offline after such meetings. Our main target is also children with no access to such internet or computer facilities. For them, we will have physical meetings in planned spaces.

What is the duration of the prescribed "subject"?

These subjects are to be "seasonal". We will plan Monthly activities for children and depending on how it goes and based on some special days we could decide to do a little extra. This is a regular activity and I am sure children can make it even more beautiful than our "plans".

Is regular attendance in meetings mandatory?

No, regular meetings are not mandatory. However, being an active ambassador keeps the spirit of this initiative alive. With poor attendance of multiple ambassadors there is a risk of loss in the collective enthusiasm. Hence we request the children and parents to make a non-mandatory commitment to the cause. Also, dear parents, only enroll if children are interested to try this.

Considering that it is a new initiative, we may need to give things some time to accelarate and achieve the goal. We will appreciate your understanding on the same.

Can we contact you for questions?

Yes, please. Feel free to write to us at payanmaram@gmail.com or call us at 9900213043.

What will be the benefit of the same?

Ideally, none. The society benefits from such wonderful children is sure to be enormous. We will also try different ways to see if these "ambassadors" get heard in other places as well. It is also our experience that we did not have to plan much most times, children, themselves planned and did the most unexpected campaigns and representing.

Do we have a political affiliation?

No. Each of the board members are interestingly with a different political mindset. We however feel that one has the right to follow his or her political choice and is free to talk about it. Payanmaram Trust, considering that it is run by a diverse board can hence be called apolitical. Irrespective of the political preferences of members, we are here to work for the people and our main focus area is children and we will continue to do it without any bias. Feel free to bring to our notice if you see any bias in our views. Also, children and parents are free to not campaign or work for any 'subject' if they do not agree with it. We welcome disagreements too else how can there be progress and improvement? We believing in agreeing and disagreeing respectfully.