Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 29 : The State Child Protection Society, under the Directorate of Social Welfare, conducted a significant awareness program for students of Classes 1st to 5th at GDMS Primary School, Middle Point on 29 November 2024. The event, themed “Discipline, Safety, and Alertness,” aimed to educate young minds about important values related to personal safety, discipline, and awareness.
The awareness program was conducted as part of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which focuses on the protection, welfare, and development of children. The event brought together children, educators, and experts to instill in students the essential knowledge and skills needed for their well-being.
Shri Ashok Kumar Biswas, the Nodal Officer for the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, played an instrumental role in supporting and motivating the organizing team for the success of the event. His efforts were crucial in ensuring the program was both impactful and aligned with the objectives of child protection.
During the session, Smti. Rehaneth Begum, Program Manager of the State Child Protection Society, highlighted the core objectives of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, which include:
• Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children through strengthened child protection systems.
• Empowering families and communities to prioritize child welfare and uphold children’s rights.
• Promoting both institutional and non-institutional care for children in need of protection and rehabilitation.
A special session was conducted by Smti. Komal Anand, Founder of PANKH NGO, who educated the students on essential safety practices, such as road safety, recognizing traffic signals, and using pedestrian crossings. She also focused on how children can identify and report suspicious behaviors to prevent trafficking and other safety risks. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline in public spaces to ensure personal safety.
The students were actively involved in the program, with prizes awarded to those who demonstrated the most enthusiasm and engagement, reinforcing the importance of the safety lessons shared during the event.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Shri Wilfred Richfield, Headmaster of GDMS Primary School, who commended the organizers and reiterated the significance of such programs in fostering a sense of responsibility and safety among children. He stated, “Programs like these are vital in shaping the values of children and teaching them how to stay safe in various situations. We look forward to more such initiatives in the future.”
The Directorate of Social Welfare is committed to ensuring the well-being and protection of children across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and such awareness programs are an essential part of this effort.
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