Bicholim Legal Aid cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law in association with Childline conducted Legal Literacy Programme on ‘Child Rights’. The programme was scheduled on December 17th at Bicholim Municipal Hall. The resource persons were Ms. Suzana De Souza, Ms. Vinita Gadekar and Mr. Harshal Mandrekar, all from Childline. A representative faculty from the College, Ms. Shruti Mahambrey was also present.
The programme was hosted by the student member of the Bicholim Legal Aid Cell Mr. Hrishikesh Vaze. The programme started by lighting up of the traditional lamp. Hrishikesh Vaze gave a brief introduction about the Legal Aid Society and the services provided by the Bicholim Legal Aid Cell as well as a report of the tasks completed and pending.
Later, member of Childline, Suzana de Souza, proceeded with the talk by introducing childline & the services provided by them. She stressed on child helpline no. 1098 which can be dialled by the complainant interested to register a complaint against the accused committing an offence against the child or the child can proceed to complaint too. The session incorporated a healthy discussion with the audience on the issues with regard to child assault.
The speaker also gave instances where a child may have to go through the phase of depression which is indeed painful not only for the child but also the guardian. However the establishment of counselling facilities in schools has provided a platform for such children to put forth their grievances and to resolve their issues. She also generally discussed about the definition of child, their rights in connection with the latest implementation of ‘The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009’.
The session was followed by an on-screen presentation which projected photographs and conveyed an important message as to ‘realizing child rights’. It was categorically stated that, The ‘Right to Education’ occupies prominence as educating a child can pave a safe journey for life of any child. Parents were conveyed to encourage their children to participate and even to teach how to take decision. A movie KOMAL based on the theme of Child Sexual Abuse was also screened. Finally, Bicholim Legal Aid Cell, Student in-charge, Ms.Tanvi Narvekar proposed the vote of thanks.
