Madikeri: A weeklong special programme titled “Childline Se Dosti” to spread awareness among the children on issues affecting them to coincide with Children’s Day, announced the organisers.
Speaking to media, Dr. Navin listed out the programme for the week.
On November 14, the Abhiyan will be set in motion with the release of the calendar for the year 2018 followed by Raksha Bandhan and children taking friendship oath at Kadagadalu Government High School premises.
On the next day, a session displaying the ill-effects of drugs and security in social media platforms will be dealt in detail at Siddapur Pre-university College, Kudmanagaluru Government High School and Murnad High School followed by the repeat of the same at Shirangala High School, the following day.
On November 17, awareness a campaign of child labour and beggary will be conducted and Gonikoppa and Suntikoppa.
On November 18, issues related to child marriages and children friendly schools will hog the limelight.
Sexual abuse of children and its impact will be discussed in detail on November 19 with a special programme at Raja Seat in Madikeri.
On the last day, an essay competition will be held on the topic “children’s rights” at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Residential School in Bhagamandala, stated Dr. Navin.
During the last years, childline received 789 cases related to abuse through its helpline 1098 and has made efforts to dispose them. In the current year from April-October 109 cases were reported.
The childline is making efforts to prevent parental neglect of children, beggary, child labour and draw children to the mainstream to ensure normal childhood. In some cases, children were handed over to juvenile homes and the rest to child welfare centres, explained Dr. Navin.
Secretary, Kodagu Rural Development and Child Helpline Director Roy David, said the helpline works 24/7 and remains accessible to all in need.
The helpline works in coordination with woman and child welfare departments of both centre, state governments draws support from private and other organisations, he said.
