Mangan, March 16 (IPR): The District Child Helpline Unit, Mangan, under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department (WCC&DWD) organised a programme on the Mission Vatsalya, Formation and Sensitization of Child Help Group at DAC Hall, Mangan today.
The programme aimed to sensitize Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and school teachers about the services of Child Helpline 1098, a 24×7 emergency outreach service for children, and to strengthen community-based mechanisms for child protection through the formation of Child Help Groups.
Delivering the welcome address, Helpline Supervisor of Child Helpline Mangan, Mr Sonam Gyaltsen Lachenpa, highlighted the importance of community awareness and active participation in ensuring the safety and protection of children. He briefly outlined the objectives of the programme and the role of Child Help Groups in supporting children in need of care and protection.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest ADM Mangan, Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding children. He encouraged participants to actively volunteer and contribute towards building a supportive environment for children, stating that public participation plays a vital role in strengthening child protection systems within society.
A session on child-related legislation, including the POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, was delivered by Ms Wendy Mair Lepcha, District Child Protection Officer, Mangan. She provided detailed information on child protection services, the functioning of the Child Welfare Committee, and the necessary steps to be taken by volunteers when addressing cases related to child welfare. The session began with an interactive ice-breaking activity related to child protection, followed by awareness discussions on issues such as sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, juvenile justice, domestic violence affecting children, adoption procedures and the rights of differently-abled individuals.
Mr Bhuwan Rai, Project Coordinator, District Child Helpline (DCHL), Mangan, delivered a presentation on the services of Child Helpline 1098 and elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of the Child Help Group in identifying and supporting children in distress.
Further, Ms Hari Maya , Case Worker ,CHL Mangan , briefed the participants about the services provided by the One Stop Centre, including assistance to victims of violence against women and children, emergency rescue and safety measures, legal rights and support services.
The programme witnessed the participation of school teachers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and officials from the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department.
- Report from DIO Mangan