NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY

 

In the year 2008, the Ministry of Women and Child Development observed the first National Girl Child Day on 24^th January with an aim to highlight inequalities and gender discrimination issues faced by a girl child at various milestones in her life. Through this initiative, the Ministry endeavours to spread awareness about the rights of girl children, including the right to education, nutrition and health.

 The theme of the National Girl Child Day 2021 is to raise awareness about the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Across the country, several events were organised to commemorate this day. The  government also put emphasis on Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme and several other schemes focusing on girl child empowerment on the national girl child day.

CHILDLINE 1098, India’s one and only emergency, 24-hour, toll-free helpline for children in distress has left no stone unturned to celebrate this day. Despite the pandemic, all the CHILDLINE partners across the country organised several events with all the COVID-19 protective and social distancing measures.

CHILDLINE plays an important role in the district level task force constituted for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme to advocate and create awareness among the community people. The teams represent at the district level during the meetings organised for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao scheme.

On the occasion of the girl child day, CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana organised an event and a meeting for children in Mirzapur slums. The children danced, created artworks including rangoli to celebrate the occasion. The CHILDLINE team motivated the children and distributed several prizes among them. In Jammu and Kashmir, CHILDLINE Anantnag organised a mass awareness event on the occasion where at least 45 girls along with the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) workers, local village committee members participated. The CHILDLINE team spread awareness about the services of CHILDLINE 1098 and the importance of a girl child and issues faced by them. CHILDLINE Bundi, Rajasthan celebrated national girl child day with children from shelter homes and slum areas and conducted a meeting with police officers on child rights and child issues.

Across 25 districts of Telangana, CHILDLINE celebrated national girl child’s day on 24^th, 25^th and 26^th January 2021 through different activities and events. A total of 351 officials and stakeholders from allied departments including ICDS and Panchayat Raj along with 1326 children and 602 adults participated. CHILDLINE Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh organised a National Girl Child Day programme at a shelter home in a village. Through this programme, the team discussed the CHILDLINE 1098 services, the importance of girl child education and the disadvantages of child marriage.

In Maharashtra, CHILDLINE Dhule celebrated the national girl child day in a special abled girl’s shelter home. The chief guests of the programme guided the girls about the objectives and the importance of the girl’s rights and education. In Kolhapur, CHILDLINE celebrated the girl child day in Ingavale Mala, Kuchkovari with 36 children.

In West Bengal, almost all the districts celebrated the national girl child day with great pomp and splendour. CHILDLINE Alipurduar distributed winter clothes among the children. An open house programme was organised by CHILDLINE Darjeeling at a school in Kurseong. Railway CHILDLINE Asansol also conducted an open house programme with the nearby local children. In the CHILDLINE advisory board meeting of 2020-21 in Bishnupur, West Bengal, Beti Bacchao Beti Padhao campaign was flagged off, link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXc0SAPcl4k

 

CHILDLINE RESCUES A CHILD BEGGAR FROM THE STREETS

A local news channel telecasted a story of a 10-year-old girl Nayna (name changed to protect identity) from the location where she was begging. Upon receiving the news, CHILDLINE Guwahati, Assam contacted the reporter of the news channel for more details.  Next day, along with the reporter and Dispur Traffic Police Outpost officials went to the house of the girl for further enquiry.

Nayna was the student of 5^th Standard. Her mother worked as a domestic help in different households to meet their daily expenses.  However, the mother met with an accident and fractured her hand. Hence, she was unable to go to work. The lockdown had further worsened their situation as there was insufficient food at home. Therefore, the child started begging on the streets.

The officials from the Dispur Traffic out Post provided emergency relief to the family. CHILDLINE team ensured that her case will be looked into and she and her mother will be assisted with all the possible facilities. Meanwhile, CHILDLINE is trying to link Nayna with the sponsorship scheme under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

Child begging is the worst violation of child rights and absolutely against a child’s dignity. Therefore, all the state and civil authorities as well as the civil society to unite and end this menace forever.

If you come across any child begging on the streets, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098 and report a case. 

VICTIMS OF CHILD LABOUR RESCUED AND REHABILITATED

 

CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana received information about children who were working as child labourers at a chicken and egg shop. However, on reaching the location, the team did not find any children. Upon following up with the caller, the team learnt that the children came to work only in the night. The caller also shared photographic evidence. When CHILDLINE visited again, the team found three children aged 14 to 17 years working at the shop.

During the counselling session, CHILDLINE learnt that the children were school dropouts. An FIR was registered against their employer under the JJ Act and then they were presented before the CWC (Child Welfare Committee). The CWC ordered that they undergo a medical test and be given temporary shelter at Karm Marg. The next day, the children were handed over to their parents, who were also counselled.

Children engaged in child labour are deprived of dignity and childhood. Such children are unable to go to school often remain illiterate for the rest of their lives. Child labour is harmful to their overall development and mental health.

Therefore, if you come across a child engaged in child labour please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098.

DIGITAL EDUCATION: STILL A DISTANT DREAM FOR MANY?

 

The Coronavirus pandemic has severely affected the traditional brick and mortar education in schools and colleges across the globe. India is no exception. It has led to an exponential growth of digital education throughout the country. Everywhere, the teachers are recording their lectures and uploading of social media platforms like YouTube and sharing links on WhatsApp groups or teaching via various mobile applications.

However, are Indians parents equipped with proper infrastructure to facilitate digital education for their children? Or will the students from rural and urban India gain equal access to online education?  The students in metropolitan cities clearly have an advantage of better infrastructure and long conducive learning hours for online education. The parents are in a better position to facilitate their children with digital learning mediums.

But in rural India, the digital education remains a distant dream for many. Recently, the CHILDLINE 1098 team in Haryana, Mewat district rescued a child working on a construction site. Upon counseling the child revealed that his school is conducting classes online, to which neither he nor anyone in his family owns a smartphone.  In order to buy a smartphone and study better in the future the child was working at the construction site. The child was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) who handed over the child to his parents after the due diligence process. After few weeks, CHILDLINE visited the child’s place. The child, a student of 8^th Std., was at home and studying. This case is a true reflection of the ground reality of the digital education in India.

On further discussion with principals of Govt. and private schools regarding online classes, it was revealed that, in Govt. schools, teachers have formed WhatsApp groups to provide online education to students. However, it has been observed that only a handful of students have benefitted from this education opportunity. Nearly, 70 percent of the students are unable to access online education. In private schools only 50 percent of the children are able to access online education. This is mainly due to the lack of infrastructure or internet connectivity.

In some cases, only one parent has a smartphone which they take to work and children have to wait till that parent returns home. In households with only one smartphone, gender disparity is hugely prevalent. The male child is given priority over the female child to access the smartphone. The stakeholders from the education department are trying to provide education to all the children during the lockdown however due to lack of infrastructure; many children are unable to access the learning mediums.

The local Sarpanchs and village heads can play a great role in facilitating digital education for children. They can help set up proper Wi-Fi system and help children with smartphones or computers in the common spaces for children. Organizations like CHILDLINE 1098 can work as a catalyst and help identify resource organizations to facilitate digital education so that no child will have to engage in child labour for online education.

CHILDLINE PROTECTS AND SUPPORTS A MINOR VICTIM OF ABUSE

On 15^th June 2020, CHILDLINE Rourkela, Odisha, placed a 13-year old girl, Radha (name changed to protect identity) in a shelter home on the orders of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Radha was rescued from the market place by the Biramitra police station where she was roaming aimlessly. She was kept under the custody of the medical officer at the Biramitrapur Community Health Center (CHC) since she was not feeling well and required medical attention. 

On further counseling, Radha revealed some startling details. She had undergone an abortion the previous night. She also mentioned that earlier the Biramitrapur police station officers had tried to admit her at the CHC. As the counseling session progressed further, CHILDLINE realized that the police along with the doctors had violated the MTP Act (Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Act, 1971). They all had given false information to the CWC.   

The local newspaper covered this case on 21^st June 2020. Next day, CWC recorded the statement of the child. As per orders from the CWC, the local DCPO (District Child Protection Officer) filed an FIR against six people including two police personnel and a medical officer of the CHC in the Biramitrapur area. Subsequently, the officer in-charge was suspended and his statement was recorded on 26^th June 2020. 

After getting all the necessary information, CHILDLINE immediately removed the child from the CHC and restored her with the open shelter. On the orders of the DGP (Director General of Police), the inspector was dismissed from the duty for sexually abusing a 13-year old girl for a period of four months and later forcefully terminating her pregnancy without informing the District Child Welfare Committee. CHILDLINE is providing emotional support, guidance and counseling to help Radha recover from the trauma. 

The DGP shared updates of the case on social media and apologized to the girl on social media.
If you come across any child in distress or trouble, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE on 1098.

WHEN GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING

Thousands of children go missing each year. Children go missing due to a number of possible reasons such as abduction or kidnapping, trafficking, lost children, running away from home due to conflict with family or living in a difficult and aggressive environment.

Large numbers of missing children end up on the streets in acute poverty. Many are forced to engage in unlawful activities. They are extremely vulnerable and easily exploited. In the year 2018-2019, CHILDLINE received approximately 32,000 cases of missing and runaway children each.

CHILDLINE 1098 is 24X7, emergency, toll-free helpline for children who are in distress. The CHILDLINE ground level rescue teams ensure that every child is safe and secure even in tough situations.

CHILDLINE 1098 has safely restored a missing child with his parents during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. One day before the lockdown began; CHILDLINE 1098 received a call reporting a missing child who was unable to speak and was at Delhi Gate, Ghaziabad, UP. The team members immediately rushed to the location and found the child, Rohan (name changed to protect identity), 17, alone.

Since the child was unable to communicate, CHILDLINE took the child to the Ghaziabad police station. Even the police could not get any information from him. As per the protocol, the child was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Though the child was supposed to be sent to the shelter home in Bijnor, UP, the chairperson decided that the boy should be quarantined at a hospital as a preventive measure due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the boy did not show any symptoms, the doctor at the MMG hospital in Ghaziabad was not keen to quarantine the child. However, post continuous persuasion from CHILDLINE, the boy was quarantined at the hospital. While the child was in quarantine, the CHILDLINE team member remained with the child and managed to get the contact details of the child’s family and inform them. The child’s family managed to reach Ghaziabad, despite the limited transport facility. After the due diligence process was completed, Rohan was reunited with his family.

HOW TO INCULCATE THE HABIT OF READING AMONG CHILDREN DURING LOCK DOWN ?

We have often heard parents complaining about how their children spend most of their free time playing games on smartphones, laptops or gaming consoles. They rarely read a book or a newspaper or do something constructive. Since our nation is locked down due to the COVID-19 and most outdoor activities have stopped, parents can encourage their children to develop the reading habit.

Getting hard copies of books may not be possible due to the lockdown. However, there are plenty of e-books available online in both English and regional languages for free. These books are easily available to parents and children across India. Indian authored e-books such as Amar Chitra Katha and Malgudi Days can truly stimulate young minds from both rural and urban India. Here are a few ways in which you can inculcate the habit of reading in your young one.

Daily reading time

In order to motivate children to read, you can set aside some reading time in their daily routine. In rural areas, parents can encourage their children to visit their nearest Common Service Centers (CSC) to access these e-learning books. Under the Pradhan Mantri Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, Government has empowered the CSCs with e-learning books that can be accessed easily by children. 

Let them pick their favourite book

Parents should guide their children on the choices of books to read. Let your young ones choose their favourite subject so that they don’t get bored of reading. If you enforce your choice of topics on them they are most likely to get disinterested in reading.

One book at a time

Allow your child to read at a pace he or she is comfortable with. It is best not to set targets or pressurize them to finish several books at a go. If you force them to read fast or many books at a stretch then your child may just skim through the pages without really understanding the context or experiencing the true joy of reading a book.

A good book can be the best portable friend of children during this time. It has the potential to nurture a young mind and widen their sphere of experience without moving an inch. CHILDLINE 1098 has uploaded several e-books and comics on their website for children in English as well as in regional languages. Here are few interesting e-book links for children Bacche, Vayu Aur Corona (Hindi), Chuka Break the Silence

MANAGING THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN DURING LOCKDOWN

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown period is also increasing and becoming further restrictive. There is no denying of its impact on mental health. As adults, we are more conscious of the given situation and are trying to manage and exude it in the best possible manner. However, in the case of children, the response to such situations is very different.

Like adults, children too are experiencing drastic changes in their daily schedules. Going out, indulging in outdoor activities, playing with friends is vital for a child’s psychosocial development. However, due to the lockdown, children are now confined at home for longer durations. Therefore, being stressful, cranky or irritable is extremely normal in these situations. Following are few ways to lift the spirits of children during the lockdown.

Lending a patient ear

When children feel stressed, they want someone to LISTEN to them. As parents, you should be patient and allow them to express themselves freely. Listen to their queries and answer them honestly. If they are curious about the Coronavirus and the lockdown, focus on the preventive measures and the positives of the lockdown. A good conversation is a great way to elevate stress among children.

Encourage Scribbling

Motivate your children to write and draw what they think and feel about the current situation. Let them sit by the well in your house or in the drawing-room of your apartment and allow them to put their feelings and emotions on the paper. While writing and drawing, children tend to understand themselves better as well as help the parent in understanding and supporting the children during a difficult time. 

Set Routine

Whether you live in a small village or a big city, setting a daily time-table for your children will help them stay focused. You can add plenty of breaks, meal-time, nap-time, TV time and internet time in the timetable. Parents can also prepare a time-table for themselves so that they can schedule their breaks with the children. In this way, parents can also spend quality time with children.

Seek professional help

If you feel that your child needs counselling, there is no harm in going for professional help. Many mental health experts are providing their services online. You can also call on CHILDLINE 1098 for psychosocial support from any part of India. With professional help, you can create a positive environment at home where children can be safe, healthy and develop their full potential.

TURN THIS LOCK DOWN TIME INTO FAMILY BONDING TIME

Online conference calls, working lunches, presentations from the living room has become a daily norm for working parents during the lockdown. While parents are constantly juggling between office work and household work, children are struggling to keep themselves engaged in confinement at home. The complete lockdown has drastically changed their schedules, curbed their play-time with their friends and restricted their movements. Parents can create some memorable moments for their children by turning the lockdown time into family bonding time. Engaging with children in activities like,

Cooking together

Look through recipe books and websites with your children and take their opinion to select the right one. Give them age-appropriate tasks like measuring the ingredients, turning off the stove, etc. Keep tasting food together. Cooking together is a great way of bonding and developing a new skill.

Family game-time

Playing board games, cards, solving a puzzle together or setting up a treasure hunt is a perfect way to spend some quality time with children. It will keep your kids occupied for a few hours and help you unwind after a hard day’s work.

Storytelling session

Switching off from the digital world and telling a story or reading a book to your child is one of the best ways to keep your child engaged. It will help in inculcating the habit of reading in your children. You can make the storytelling session fun and entertaining by reading out loud, emoting words, enacting a few scenes from the book etc.

Nurture a hobby

Let your children explore their creative side with drawing, painting, singing together and dancing. You can also engage your child in making creative and useful items out of old newspapers or things that are no longer in use. This is the best way to bring out your child’s hidden talents.

Children tend to miss their friends the most during the lockdown. Therefore, allowing children to video call their friends once in a while will keep them happy and engaged. For more ideas to keep children occupied in lockdown visit, https://www.childlineindia.org/a/covid19. We have links to regional language content as well.

*As a parent, please monitor your child’s online presence and follow cyber safety rules for children.