PESHAWAR, Nov 19: A certificate distribution ceremony for the students of Mashaal Schools for Working Children was held in Chamkani under the auspices of the Human Resource Management and Development Centre (HRMDC) and the Youth Welfare Organization.

Village elders, children, and members of two bodies attended the ceremony, according to a press release issued on Monday. Children recited verses from Quran and presented naat, poems and a song.

A village elder distributed certificates among the successful children. HRMDC director gave away prizes to position holders.

The HRMDC, an NGO, has been implementing the programmes aimed at combating child labour. These programmes include setting up of schools, and creating awareness about the plight of working children through seminars and walks.

About 225 children are attending four centres being run by the HRMDC at Tehkal Payan, Tehkal Bala, Charsadda Road and Chamkani. Children are provided with opportunities of non-formal education and skill learning. The timings of the sessions have been set in consultation with the children, their employers and parents. Majority of the employers have agreed to let the children leave their workplaces an hour before the scheduled time to attend schools. Two of the centres are located in government schools with the support of the education authorities.

The organization has also carried out research activities.