Written by Jason Iangrai
What if children had their own council, a space where their voices shaped their communities?
The idea might sound ambitious, even idealistic, but it’s a reality that I first discovered through a reel by 4FrontMedia. The reel highlighted tree planting on World Environment Day, and that was my introduction to the Children’s Dorbar (Council), a unique initiative that brings young people to the forefront of decision-making and community action.
When I started my internship at NESFAS, the Children’s Dorbar was one of the concepts that intrigued me the most. It resonated deeply with the traditional Khasi Dorbar, reimagined for a younger generation. How could children take on such a role, and what impact could it have on their communities? These questions drove my curiosity and inspired me to learn more.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Umsawwar village to witness this remarkable phenomenon first-hand and explore how the Children’s Dorbar operates. We arrived at the village early in the morning and were greeted by the warm and cheerful smiles of the children.
The Dorbar session began promptly, held under the open sky on a clear day, with children sitting in a semicircle. At the centre of it all was the Sordar, who, with a firm yet approachable tone, outlined the agenda for the day. The session began with a knowledge-sharing session by an elder on the importance of trees, highlighting their role in sustaining the environment. This lesson wasn’t merely theoretical; it inspired the theme for the next writing competition, which would focus on the significance of trees. Following this, the winners of the recently held writing competition were announced, showcasing how these activities connect learning with real-world relevance. It was inspiring to see how this initiative brought structure, purpose, and a sense of responsibility to the younger generation. This goes beyond just teaching governance—it’s about nurturing young minds to become leaders of tomorrow.
The Children’s Dorbar in Umsawwar village has been active since 2009, and it was founded with a vision to instill leadership skills and a sense of pride and belonging among children in their village. This initiative also serves as a platform for capacity building, empowering children to actively contribute to their community’s growth.
Umsawwar is an active village of the NESFAS’ ongoing project, “Demonstrate successful community led management plan of degraded lands to conserve and manage wild biodiversity and Agrobiodiversity for local livelihoods security”, supported by TERI-UNDP under the GEF-SGP.
Beyond this, the Children’s Dorbar addresses systemic gaps in governance, education, and participation, aligning with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): it nurtures leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking skills (SDG 4), empowering children to learn beyond textbooks and engage actively in governance. By promoting hygiene and awareness about harmful substances, it enhances community well-being (SDG 3). The initiative also challenges traditional gender norms by ensuring equal leadership opportunities for girls and boys, advancing gender equality (SDG 5). Additionally, by tackling local issues like waste management and environmental degradation, the Dorbar contributes to building sustainable and self-reliant communities (SDG 11).
Through monthly meetings, the Dorbar addresses pressing issues such as the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, the importance of environmental conservation to combat deforestation, and advocates for cleanliness and sustainable practices. Their efforts include skits raising awareness of social and environmental issues, nature walks that deepen their connection with the environment, and competitions that allow their talents to shine. What particularly stood out to me was how these young members don’t just learn—they take action. For instance, just last year, the children noticed littering around petty shops in their neighbourhood, so they took action by requesting shop owners provide dustbins to help address the issue.
Another story, shared by Kelamon Suting, adviser to this council, particularly stayed with me. She recounted how the Children’s Dorbar once submitted a report addressing the issue of fathers smoking inside the house in the presence of children. This proactive approach underscores how the children are taking a stand on issues directly affecting their well-being and surroundings. As Kelamon spoke, she exuded confidence and eloquence—a clear reflection of the Dorbar’s influence on both the children and the wider community.
The structure of the Children’s Dorbar mirrors that of the traditional Dorbar Shnong. At the helm is a Sordar, supported by a secretary, treasurer, public announcers, and advisers. While the funding for the Dorbar primarily comes from parents and well-wishers, limited resources continue to pose challenges for its functioning. Despite financial constraints, the goal remains clear: to equip these children with skills like bamboo weaving, musical talent, and sportsmanship, empowering them to become self-sufficient contributors to society.
During my visit, I was also familiarised with the challenges the children face in accessing education. Financial difficulties, a preference for farming or unskilled labour as a source of income, and the added burden of a curriculum taught in English often hinder their academic progress. Despite these hurdles, the village stands out for its strong sense of community ownership and the active involvement of women in local governance, reflecting a progressive outlook that signals a better future.
Initiatives like these, driven by the collaborative support of partners including NESFAS, exemplify how impactful development begins at the grassroots. During my time here, I have not only learned about these transformative models but have also witnessed firsthand what I have always believed—that real change occurs at the grassroots level.
The Children’s Dorbar is a testament to what communities can achieve when they dare to reimagine their future by empowering their youngest members. As I left Umsawwar, I realised these children have placed themselves at the heart of decision-making. By embracing such models, we ensure that every child is not just a bystander, but an active architect of their community’s growth and future. The question is—how many more villages will follow Umsawwar’s lead and invest in the future of tomorrow?
