Sri Vijaya Puram, June 17: Reinforcing the message that every child deserves a safe, secure and nurturing environment, the State Child Protection Society (SCPS) under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized a special awareness programme at Seva Niketan, Dairy Farm, to mark the World Day Against Child Labour.
The event brought together officials, child welfare stakeholders, representatives of child care institutions and students to promote awareness on child rights, education and protection while highlighting the collective responsibility of society in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children.
The programme was attended by senior officials and stakeholders working in the field of child welfare. The chief guest for the occasion was Rashid Alam, who addressed participants on the importance of sustained awareness and community engagement in protecting children’s rights.
Also present were Ravinder Kumar, officials from the Labour Department, representatives from various Child Care Institutions and members of organizations involved in child welfare initiatives across the Islands.
Speaking during the programme, Rashid Alam commended the efforts of the State Child Protection Society for organizing an event dedicated to child welfare and awareness. He emphasized that such programmes play a crucial role in sensitizing communities and strengthening public understanding of issues affecting children.
He noted that awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing exploitation and ensuring that children receive opportunities to grow in safe and supportive environments. He also encouraged all stakeholders to continue working collectively towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.
A major highlight of the programme was the recognition of academic excellence demonstrated by Master PP Asrak, a student of Government Senior Secondary School, Wimberlygunj. The student, who secured an impressive 90 per cent marks in the Science stream in Class XII examinations without the support of private coaching, was felicitated during the event.
The award was presented in recognition of his perseverance, commitment and academic achievement. Officials said the recognition was intended to inspire other students to pursue educational excellence through dedication and hard work.
The programme also acknowledged the contributions of organizations working directly with children in need of care and protection. In-charges of various Non-Government Organisations managing Child Care Institutions across the Islands were honoured for their services and commitment towards supporting children’s development and welfare.
Officials noted that these institutions play a critical role in providing shelter, care, education and emotional support to vulnerable children and ensuring that they receive opportunities for holistic growth.
The event featured cultural performances and speeches by children, many of which focused on themes relating to child rights, education, protection and the importance of a happy childhood. Through songs, performances and presentations, participants highlighted the need to eliminate child labour and promote education as a pathway to empowerment.
Earlier in the programme, A.K. Biswas spoke about the transformative role of education in shaping children’s futures. He stressed that every child should have access to opportunities that enable them to learn, develop their talents and realize their aspirations.
The importance of awareness and education in strengthening child protection systems was also highlighted by Rehaneth Begum. She emphasized that informed communities are better equipped to identify risks, respond to concerns and ensure that children receive the support and care necessary for their overall development.
According to officials, programmes such as these are essential for building stronger child protection mechanisms and fostering greater cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations and local communities.
The observance of World Day Against Child Labour served as a reminder that while significant progress has been made in protecting children’s rights, continued vigilance, awareness and collective action remain necessary to address challenges that may hinder children’s development and access to education.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Monalisa Biswas, who expressed gratitude to all participants, guests and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.
Officials reiterated that protecting children and ensuring access to education are shared responsibilities that require ongoing commitment from society as a whole, emphasizing that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe environment.
