Politics is often considered to be ‘grown-up’ business’ and not something children would care to know about. But the future voter today is smarter than you think. And yes, early awareness of politics can help children become more aware and engaged citizens. Most importantly, the willingness and ability to exercise rights of citizenship tend to persist well into adulthood when a strong foundation has been laid at an early age. But do parents talk to children about current affairs, civic responsibility and moral science.
WOW randomly talked to five children between 7 and 9 years. Here’s what they had to say.
Aviruz Swar
Age: 7 years
What do you want to become when you grow up?
Football player. I love Arsenal Football Club
Do you think it’s fun to be a grown up? Why?
Yes, I don’t have to ask for permissions then.
What is your favourite subject at school?
Maths
Three things you like doing best?
Playing football, travelling and eating
If you could eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Vanilla ice-cream
Who is Balen Shah?
Balen is the Prime Minister of the country. He destroys the houses of people who have constructed illegally.
Who runs a country better – man or woman? Why?
Man because I like them more.
Where do you learn about news?
Through my dad
What does a politician do?
They are the big personalities of the country.
Aagyashree
Age: 7 years
What do you want to become when you grow up?
I want to be a dentist and fix my grandma’s teeth.
Do you think it’s fun to be a grown up? Why?
Yes, Grownups are free, independent and are allowed to do various things.
What is your favourite subject at school?
Maths. It is easy.
Three things you like doing best?
Painting, solving math problems, drawing
If you could eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Strawberry ice-cream
Who is the Prime Minister of Nepal?
KP Oli
Where do you learn about news?
My family watches news but I don’t know what it means.
What does a politician do?
I don’t know
Who is Balen Shah?
I don’t know
Arohi Bhusal
Age: 9 years
What do you want to become when you grow up?
Doctor. I want to help sick people.
Do you think it’s fun to be a grown up? Why?
Yes I don’t have to go to school anymore.
What is your favourite subject?
Magic
Three things you like doing best?
Playing, cycling, jumping
What makes you happy?
Travelling with my family
If you could eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don’t like sweets
Who is Balen Shah?
I don’t know
Where do you learn about news?
I only watch cartoons
What does a politician do?
I don’t know
How old do you have to be to vote?
No idea
Khim Lima Rai
Age: 9 years
What do you want to become when you grow up?
Artist
Do you think it’s fun to be a grown up? Why?
No, it’s not. Everyone says childhood is the best time.
What is your favourite subject at school?
Arts
Three things you like doing best?
Singing, dancing, playing with my friends and drawing
Which song is your favourite?
Fireflies
Where do you learn about news?
Television. But I don’t watch news. It’s boring.
Who runs a country better – man or woman? Why?
I like those who work hard
Who is Balen Shah?
I have never heard about him
Do you know who is the Prime Minister of Nepal?
I don’t know
Gunjan Limbur
Age: 7 years
What do you want to become when you grow up?
Artist
Do you think it’s fun to be a grown up? Why?
I am enjoying my time right now. I haven’t thought about growing up. Grownups have a busy life.
What is your favourite subject at school?
Arts
What makes you happy?
I feel happy when I play with my friends and read.
If you could eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I like rasbari but my mother doesn’t let me eat enough
Which Prime Minister of Nepal do you like best? Why?
KP Oli. He is the only one I have learnt about.
Who is Balen Shah?
No idea
Where do you learn about news?
Television
