‘It should not hurt to be a Child as Child Abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.’
A workshop was conducted by Ms. Prabhjot Kaur the school counsellor to create awareness about Child Protection and Safety Act under POCSO for teachers in the school premises of St Joseph’s Sr Sec School, Sec 44-D Chandigarh. The faculty members were given information regarding the most visible types of physical abuse, assault, emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation which leave deep, lasting scars on the mind of the child. The earlier, abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle.
The teachers learnt about common signs of abuse, the kind of abusers and how a teacher’s intervention and care can make a huge difference in a child’s life. The workshop also highlighted the role of teachers in educating and training the students to face the challenges of child abuse by being thoroughly aware, patient, and not ignoring any behavioral or sudden academic changes which will prove to be of great help not only for children but also in identifying and protecting a child from abuse.
The Principal Ms. Monica Chawla expressed deep concern on the recent shocking incidents of child abuse which revealed and left a deep impact on the minds of the Indian citizens. She said it was a final wakeup call for the teachers to immediately act, actively notice, report by taking preventive measures in any such cases in future. She entreated the teachers to join hands to eradicate this evil from the society so that our children do not suffer ruined childhood, are well aware, can face the society fearlessly and lead a respectful, confident life.
The teachers were informed about the helpline numbers, apps, POCSO Act and the POCSO E box as a handy tool to deal with such problems.
She concluded by saying that we the facilitators of the child need take charge and ensure deterring our children from falling prey to this. The Educators ought to become an epitome of love and affection for their students and only this would help the students to break the shackles of the cruel stigma.
