Mangaluru, September 17, 2015: The first anniversary of ’Project Angel’ was marked by a human chain of city by students of various schools and colleges September 16 morning for an hour covering nearly 10 Kms.
City students from at least about 40 schools participated. Executive director of the Inchara Foundation, founder of project ‘Angel’, Preetham Rodrigues, told media that city students were marking the first anniversary of Project Angel.
He added, that to Prevent is better than cure; by awareness among the students unnecessary episodes can be nipped in the bud. Preventive action against child sexual abuse is the need of the times. The project conducts sessions to sensitize children, parents, guardians, teachers and the community on recognizing the primary signs of abuse. Awareness of good touch and bad touch, on how to respond and react when any abuse is seen.
He stressed that many parents refuse to come forward if their child has been abused. The best way to reach the parents is through schools. All schools may get ’Angel’ assistance in their PTA meetings. If there is verbal abuse, the District Child Protection unit and Childline are ready. Counselling centres and helpline number, and online chat for those who fear to come forward are on the anvil.
Kripa Amar Alva, chairperson of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Deputy Commissioner Adoor B Ibrahim inaugurated the Jatha in front of the DC office. Demonstration by students of different schools and colleges who came out to the main roads and formed a human chain, drew the attention of the public in the morning for about an hour.