Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 4: A community awareness programme focusing on child rights, child protection and community participation was organised at New Wandoor Beach by the State Child Protection Society (SCPS), bringing together local stakeholders to strengthen awareness on the care, safety and welfare of children.
The programme, centred on the theme “Child Rights and Responsibilities”, was coordinated by the Programme Manager of the State Child Protection Society in collaboration with the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Scheme.
During the programme, the objectives of Mission Vatsalya were explained, with emphasis on ensuring the care, protection, rehabilitation and holistic development of children through active participation of communities. The session highlighted the role of community involvement in supporting child welfare initiatives and creating a protective environment for children.
Participants were also sensitised about the functions of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The programme explained that the Committee serves as the competent authority responsible for ensuring the care, protection, rehabilitation and restoration of children who are in need of care and protection.
A separate session focused on preventing child labour and safeguarding children’s rights. Komal Anand, Founder of Pankh NGO, spoke on measures to prevent child labour and stressed the importance of protecting every child’s right to education, safety and overall development.
The awareness programme witnessed participation from representatives of the local Gram Panchayat, including the Pradhan and Panchayati Raj Institution members. Members of the Boat Association, led by its President, tourism stakeholders and other prominent members of the local community also attended the event.
Women from the locality participated actively in the interactive session, where they shared their views and offered suggestions on issues relating to child welfare and protection. The programme concluded with community engagement on the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights and supporting mechanisms established for their protection, rehabilitation and overall development through coordinated institutional and community efforts.
