Indian red cross society tamilnadu branch Child protection programme Supported by World health organization.

An orientation programme on ‘child protection’ for the JRC Counselors (school teachers) was conducted in Tirunelveli district on 28th and 29th of July 2009.

The objectives of the programme were as follows:
• To familiarize with IRCS Child Protection Project.
• To detail the activities to be implemented under the project.
• To orient them about Violence against Children and its possible impacts.
• To understand the actions they can take to protect children better and also practical ways in which the teachers can endeavor to alleviate the suffering of children.

ADr. Vimala Ramalingam, President, IRCS TNB inaugurated the programme and interacted with the participants and explained them about violence against children is related to HIV/AIDS and Sex and sexuality and importance of imparting this topic among school students as well as parents. Mrs. Shantha Diaz, Secretary, IRCS TNB shared her views and some child abuse cases with the participants. Mrs. Shabreen Hashir and Ms. Kanchi Kailasam trained by Canadian Red Cross, who handled the sessions with the assistance of the State Coordinators of IRCS TNB.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

The topic wise details are given below:

• Definition of Child
• Definition of violence
• Types of violence
• Definition and types of child abuse
• Impact of child abuse
• Importance of Child Protection
• What parents and teachers can do
• Laws to protect children

Methodology

The sessions were interactive and based on adult learning principles. The participants were encouraged to share their experiences and ideas. The response of the participants was good. The session methodology consisted of presentation, discussion and experience sharing. The participants were asked to perform role plays on different abuses victimized by children and its impacts.

Output of the Training

Participants shared some child abuse cases happened in their respective areas. According to them most sexual abuse by someone a child knows well and trusts. It was also discussed to teach children about their rights and that they deserve to be safe and also unsafe touches are never their fault.

The participants were also interested to know how to discipline a child. The trainers wanted to know from the participants about the methods they adopt, the answer was by beating. They feel that, beating is the most efficient way.

The facilitators explained to them that to discipline a child is very important but at the same time it should not injure the child. After a long discussion the participants suggested the following ways to discipline children.

• do not hit the children
• discipline when calm
• talk through problems-use positive languages
• be a model
• set boundaries

The main objective of the programme being Child Protection to make them safe from all abuses, the participants were very keen to know how children can protect themselves.

The participants gained knowledge about violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse and family violence.

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