Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 October 2023
ICDS Nancowry (Tribal Project) under the Directorate of Social Welfare took a significant step towards ensuring child safety by organising an awareness program on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The informative event was held at the Government Senior Secondary School in Champin and brought together approximately 130 students to educate them about their rights and safety.
Led by the dedicated efforts of the Mukhya Sevika, in collaboration with officials from the Police Department and Health Department, the program was conducted across various Government Schools within the Nancowry group of Islands, under the ICDS Tribal Project Nancowry.
The primary objective of the program was to empower students with knowledge about the POCSO Act, which is crucial in safeguarding children from sexual offences. In addition, the event aimed to raise awareness about the concepts of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch,’ equipping the students with the understanding and tools to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate physical contact.
The POCSO Act, which stands for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, is a legal framework designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Educating children about the significance of this act in their daily lives is an important step towards ensuring their safety.
During the program, students actively participated in discussions and activities that focused on recognising and protecting themselves from potential abuse. It served as an essential step in empowering children to speak up and report any incidents that make them uncomfortable.