Australian HC to host Kickstart Equality campaign in Delhi

As a grand climax for the six month long student-led campaign "Kickstart Equality", CEQUIN, supported by the Australian High Commission's Direct Aid Program and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Australian High Commission is organising a special event on December 10 to mark Human Rights Day and the 16th Day of Activism on Gender-based Violence.

The event will feature art installations and short performances by students on the themes of equality and non-discrimination. A special performance by 'Vocal Rasta' will conclude the event.

Facilitated by CEQUIN, the Kickstart Equality Campaign has been created and led by student leaders from ten of Delhi's most prominent schools, namely, Apeejay-Saket, Air Force Bal Bharti, Bloom Public School, DPS Dwarka, Modern School- Vasant Vihar, Mother's International School, Sanskriti School, Springdales-Pusa Road, Tagore International School and The British School.

Gender sensitisation workshops, debates, slogan writing, poster making, street plays, research, surveys, opinion polls, flash mobs and several other activities were undertaken by the student community, following the 'Agents of Change' workshops conducted by CEQUIN at school level. Over 200 students have actively participated in this initiative to raise awareness on gender discrimination and violence.

At the grand finale on December 10, the students will create original Art Installations and put up performances celebrating the theme of equality and non-discrimination.

The pre-prepared art iInstallation will be assembled by a team of 5 students from each school at the High Commission premises. These pieces will be on display from 4.30pm onwards. Furthermore, a team of 10 students from each school will be invited to do a short performance, duration between 5-7 minutes, in one of three categories- music, dance and theatre. The performance will be an original piece composed/choreographed by the students, based on the campaign theme of gender equality and non-discrimination.

The evening will close with a special performance of the popular acapella group 'Vocal Rasta'. It is expected to be an evening of excitement and celebration which also provides a well-deserved opportunity for the students to showcase their talent and efforts.