Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 8: A child protection awareness initiative at Mile Tilak Village in Ferrargunj Tehsil brought children and parents together to highlight child rights, education and the need for greater community vigilance against abuse, exploitation and neglect.
The State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Directorate of Social Welfare, organised the Child Protection Awareness Competition at the Anganwadi Centre in the village. The programme used creative competitions to engage participants on issues affecting children and reinforce the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for them.
Children and parents participated in competitions centred on three themes — “Say No to Child Labour”, “Every Child Deserves Education” and “Children Are Our Future”. Through these activities, participants were encouraged to communicate their understanding of child protection and education while promoting positive parenting and community involvement.
The programme also focused on the responsibility of families and the wider community in protecting children from situations that could affect their safety and wellbeing. The creative format provided participants with an opportunity to express their ideas while drawing attention to the importance of ensuring that children receive education and remain protected from exploitation.
Addressing the gathering, the Programme Manager of the State Child Protection Society said every child has a fundamental right to grow in an environment that is safe, secure and nurturing. The official stressed that children must be protected from abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence.
The Programme Manager also urged members of the community to remain alert to signs of harm or neglect involving children and to report cases requiring intervention without delay.
The community was specifically advised to report instances of child abuse, child labour, child marriage or neglect to the concerned authorities or CHILDLINE 1098. Such reporting, the official said, can help ensure timely assistance to children who require care and protection.
The awareness programme combined participation by children and parents with messages on education, child rights and community responsibility, placing emphasis on collective vigilance as an important part of child protection.
