Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 07: State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Directorate of Social Welfare, organised a Child Protection Awareness Competition at Anganwadi Centre, Mile Tilak Village, under Ferrargunj Tehsil with the objective of creating awareness on child rights, child protection and the importance of education. Children and parents enthusiastically participated in creative competitions based on the themes “Say No to Child Labour,” “Every Child Deserves Education,” and “Children Are Our Future.” The competition served as an effective platform for participants to express their ideas through creativity while promoting positive parenting and community participation in protecting children.
Addressing the gathering, Programme Manager, State Child Protection Society, emphasized that every child has the fundamental right to live in a safe, secure and nurturing environment free from abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence. She highlighted that education is the foundation for a child’s overall development and appealed to parents to ensure regular school attendance and provide a supportive atmosphere that enables children to achieve their full potential. She further informed the participants that child labour is a punishable offence under the law and deprives children of their childhood, education and healthy development. She encouraged the community to remain vigilant and immediately report any case of child abuse, child labour, child marriage or neglect to the concerned authorities or CHILDLINE 1098, so that timely assistance can be provided to children in need of care and protection.
On the same occasion, an awareness programme under the National Action Plan for Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse (NAPPDR) was also conducted. Officials from the Narcotics Department and the Health Department were present and shared valuable information on the harmful effects of drug and substance abuse, preventive measures, early identification, counselling, treatment facilities and the importance of community participation in building a healthy and drug-free society. Participants were encouraged to guide children and adolescents towards healthy lifestyles and to protect them from harmful addictions through awareness, care and timely intervention.
Programme concluded with an interactive discussion, during which participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children’s rights, promoting education, preventing child labour and supporting initiatives that contribute to the holistic development and well-being of every child. The State Child Protection Society reiterated its commitment to strengthening community awareness and ensuring that every child in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands grows up in a safe, protective and child-friendly environment.
