Raising Awareness, Building Leaders for Tomorrow

MELBOURNE, Australia – September 2025

In a landmark initiative dedicated to the next generation, Melbourne witnessed a dynamic workshop focused on strengthening awareness of children’s human rights. The event, entitled “Empowering Children – Shaping Tomorrow”, gathered young members of the Melbourne Rupavahini Muthuhara Children’s Society, a recognised Australian organisation committed to cultural and educational advancement for children of Sri Lankan heritage.

Interactive Learning for Children’s Rights

The sessions were expertly led by Ms. Vathsala Dasanayake, Zonal Coordinator for Melbourne, officially appointed by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Her approach combined clarity with creativity – introducing children to their rights, explaining accessible pathways for exercising them, and highlighting the shared responsibility of adults in ensuring protection.

“Children are not only the future but also the present foundation of society. Safeguarding their rights today means securing a more just and equal tomorrow,” underlined Ms. Dasanayake during the workshop.

Through dramatisations, group exercises and open discussions, the workshop successfully transformed abstract legal concepts into tangible and relatable lessons.

Youth as Active Participants

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the active involvement of children themselves, who demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and responsibility. Their participation reaffirmed the principle that youth must be seen not only as beneficiaries of rights but also as agents of positive change.

The workshop highlighted the urgency of equipping children with knowledge and confidence, strengthening their role as both leaders of tomorrow and stakeholders of today.

Next Steps in the Project

This Melbourne initiative represents the first phase of a broader programme designed to nurture children’s awareness of human rights across Sri Lankan communities abroad. The second phase has already been scheduled for 11 October 2025, ensuring the continuity and deepening of these efforts.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Sri Lankan children’s rights workshop – Melbourne, Australia.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha JKM Dissanayake
IHRC Commissioner of Sri Lanka
IHRC Investigative Journalist

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