Sri Vijaya Puram, October 25: The Directorate of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, through the State Child Protection Society (SCPS), in association with Government Secondary School, South Point, organised an awareness programme on adolescent girls’ health, child rights and responsibilities, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. A total of 55 students participated in the programme.
The Programme Manager, SCPS, sensitised students on the key provisions of the POCSO Act, personal safety, recognising unsafe situations, maintaining personal boundaries, and the importance of reporting. Students were encouraged to discuss their concerns with trusted adults and seek appropriate guidance whenever required. Students were also informed about their rights to protection, education, health and dignity.
The Counsellor under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme conducted a session on adolescent health, focusing on the physical, emotional and psychological changes experienced during adolescence. The session covered menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, balanced nutrition, emotional well-being and self-confidence. The Counsellor also highlighted the availability of support services through Child Helpline 1098.
Students were further informed about the role of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in providing care, protection, rehabilitation and restoration to children in need of care and protection.
The Headmistress of Government Secondary School, South Point, highlighted the importance of educating students about adolescent health, child rights and personal safety. She emphasised that awareness programmes of this nature help students understand their rights, develop self-confidence and make informed decisions for their safety and well-being.
The programme underscored the importance of awareness and education in strengthening child protection, promoting the well-being of adolescent girls and ensuring that children are informed about their rights and the support services available to them, a press release from the Programme Manager, SCPS, Directorate of Social Welfare, said.
