Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 30 October 2023
In a proactive effort to educate and empower students, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Urban Project organised an awareness program on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012 at Government Secondary School, Calicut.
The event, held on October 26, aimed to enlighten students from Class 6th to 10th about the crucial provisions of the POCSO Act, which is designed to protect children from sexual offences. This initiative witnessed active participation from both male and female students.
During the program, various key topics were discussed to foster awareness and understanding among the students. These topics included child abuse, girl child safety, preventive measures, the essential roles played by parents and caregivers in raising children, the services offered by government departments, rehabilitation, legal matters, and more.
Ms. Zarina Bibi, the Child Development Project Officer from the Urban Project, took the lead in facilitating the program. Mr. Gyan Singh, the Head Master, Dr. Karishma, an Ayurveda practitioner, and Ms. Jyothi, a Sub Inspector, played pivotal roles in guiding and educating the students. The event also saw active participation from DCPU (District Child Protection Unit) staff, school teachers, PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) members, and a sizeable gathering of students from the school.
As part of the awareness program, a short documentary film was shown to the students, shedding light on the importance of distinguishing between ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ and methods to prevent the latter.
This initiative by ICDS reflects the commitment to create a safer environment for children and to empower them with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves. Such programs play a crucial role in building a more informed and vigilant society when it comes to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our children.