Children are the source of life, light and hope for a better future of the society.

The St. Mary's Presentation School of St. John the Baptist Parish, Tando Allah Yar promotes Holy
Childhood Association. Learning activities concerning Gospel values formation are organized
daily in the school. Children are taught self hygiene, respect for others, care for creation, honesty
and the like. During Religion classes, children listen actively and reflect on the Word of God. Most
of the times, they dramatize Gospel stories in order to meaningfully draw out the lesson that the
stories try to convey.

The school welcomes children from different communities like the Kachi Khole and Bheel
communities. Hindu children are also studying in the school. Children are encouraged to pray for
one another and for all children throughout the world especially those who are poor, suffering and
victims of injustice, poverty and war. They also pray for harmony and peace in the world.

Last February 2, 2009 was very important and exciting day for our school children. The parish
celebrated Holy Childhood Sunday. The highlight of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist where
children actively participated. The celebration began with an introduction given by a class 8 boy
who gave an overview of the Holy Childhood Association. It was followed by a procession around
the parish compound. The children who were singing and carrying little flags of different nations
led the procession to the Church. Four children led the penetential rite who prayed in four
different languages - English, Urdu, Kachi Khole and Sindhi.

The Gospel was acted-out by the children and it was very moving experience for all. Sr. Norris
gave a reflection on the basic human rights of children, on how Jesus gave importance to
children, and on the child-like attitudes which are fitting for the Kingdom of God. The prayers of
the faithful was led by the few chosen children who prayed the Beatitude adapted to the present
plight of many children in the third world. These prayers were written in posters and were
displayed at the sanctuary for everyone to relfect and pray for. The Lord's Prayer was sung in
Kachi Khole language and was solemnly interpreted by few chosen boys and girls. The whole
Eucharistic Celebration was very alive and at the same time moving. It was enriching to see
children who generously shared their lives, their talents, their joys and hopes in the Eucharistic
Celebration. Out of their very meager pocket money, they contributed a thousand rupees for the
poorest children in the world. Poor children helping fellow poor children.