Child Rights Talk at Porvorim VPP

As a part of the free legal aid services of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, the Porvorim Free Legal Aid Cell members organised a talk on ‘Child Rights’ at Vidya Prabodhini High School on 11^th February 2017 at 4.00 pm. The topics covered were Child Abuse and Role of Parents and Children; secondly Child Rights and the Child Helpline Number.

The programme was attended by porvorim locals which included school students. Prof. Sonal Sardessai, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme.

The dignitaries Ms. Jessica Pereira and Ms. Soraya Borgeous were extended a floral welcome. Ms. Jessica Pereira explained what kinds of child abuse exist. She stated that child abuse need not be physical only but emotional too when someone makes racist comments against a child such as “your are ugly” or “fat” or “dark skinned”.  Ms. Jessica also brought to our wake by sighting real instances of child abuse in Goan schools where boys are also victims. As per statistics the abuse to boys is much more than girls and this is because boys are afraid to speak up.

Ms. Pereira explained what role a parent should play when their child is subjected to any abuse. Parents need to be more involved to know what happens to their child whenever he goes to school or travels alone. She also urged parents to be a moral support when their child is a victim to abuse and not to blame the child rather assure him/ her of their security.  She categorically stated that, if anyone knows of such abuse cases can report the same by calling onto 1098 and the confidentiality of the caller will also be protected.

Ms. Pereira spoke to the children as to what should be their role when they are subjected to any kind of abuse. She urged the children to speak up to their parents or who they trust most and not to hide anything.

Mr. Soraya Borgeous had an interactive session with the children and asked them to list out their rights. The children readily replied that they had a right to education, food, shelter, clothing etc. Ms. Borgeous then explained to them that there are four categories of rights which cover civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of every child they are: Right to Survival; Right to Protection; Right to Participation and the Right to development. Universally Child Rights are defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) she added.

Ms. Borgeous also explained the various forums that deal with matters of children such as the Child Welfare Committee, the Juvenile Justice Board and Children’s Court. Ms. Borgeous cited a few successes stories of rescued children leading a better life due to their efforts.

A small animated film in Konkani was then shown to the crowd. The film explained how a sweet friend or relative can turn out to be you worst enemy. It highlighted what as ‘Bad touch’ was. 

At the close of the session Prof. Sonal Sardessai explained to the people what free legal aid is and how the society could benefit from it instead of spending money for the same elsewhere.

Ms. Yuga gave in the closing note and thanked each and everyone who was a part of the programme. 

Awareness on Child Rights @ Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell

The members of Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M Salgaocar College Of Law in collaboration with the Childline Goa, organized a legal literacy programme on "Childline Awareness", on 11th  Feb 2017 in the Sacred Heart Of Jesus High School,Anjuna.     

Miss.Pranita Calangutkar, the councilor of the NGO and her two teammates,  Harshal Mandrekar and Vineeta Gadekar, were the guest speakers and Professor Andruysha D'costa E Pinho, the Faculty in-charge of cell attended the program.   

Ms. Vineeta Gadekar began the session with a brief introduction of the Childline and a talk was delivered by Ms.Pranita Calangutkar explained all four rights of the children beautifully with the help of power point presentation. The session comprised of illustrative cases, educational movie and interaction with the audience. The session went on for about 1 hour and was attended by more than 40 villagers. 

The session ended with a demo and trial of calling 1098, the childline number to understand its working and to understand how it is to be approached. The programme was organised under the guidance of faculty in-charge professor Andruysha D'costa E Pinho. Mr. John Fernandes, Cell member delivered the vote of thanks.

The talk was very informative and the people were very interactive .After the session three of the families immediately approached childline for help which showed that efficacy of the program. 

Legal Literacy Program @ Marcela Free Legal Aid Cell

Marcela Free Legal Aid Cell organised an awareness program on Prevention of Child Abuse on 12th February 2017 at Panchayat Hall Amona, Amona Goa. The program was held in association with Childline, an NGO working on Child Rights in Goa.

Ms Pranita Calangutkar, MA in psychology, working at Childline as counselor, was the resource person. She was accompanied by Childline volunteer Mr. Pawan Kumar. Amona Panchayat Panch Mrs.Ujwala Sawant also attended the program.

Ms. Pranita spoke on the various rights of the child including, right to survival, rights to development and right to protection. The various abuses on children were discussed and an educational video was shown.

Mr. Tanmai Gawas, Cell Member compered the program and Ms Vignesha Shet, the student in-charge proposed the vote of thanks. Almost 70 people attended the program

Goa Velha Free Legal Aid Cell – Awareness Campaign on Child Rights

The members of Goa Velha Free Legal Aid Cell of V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Goa in collaboration with the childline, an organization that works for the protection and welfare of children organised a legal literacy program, a talk on CHILD RIGHTS, on 11th February 2017 in the Church Hall of the St . Andrews Church situated at Goa Velha.

Miss. Jessica Pereira and Miss. Suraya Borges, the team volunteers of childline were the guest speakers and Prof. Gomati Desai, the faculty in charge of the cell also attended the program.

Ms. Srushti Patil, the Student in charge, introduced the guest speakers. Ms Jessica began the session with a brief introduction of the child line, about its objectives and its functioning. Miss Suraya spoke on rights of children. She explained the four most important rights that a child has with the help of a power point presentation. She illustrated  various cases that childline had come across in Goa and showed a video on the rights of children which made the session very interactive. After that she informed the audience about the helpline number for children-1098 and its functioning. The session ended with a demo and a trial of calling 1098 to understand how it works and how it's to be approached. The session was for one hour and was attended by twenty people. 

The cell member, Jatan Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks The program was organized under the guidance of Prof. Gomati Desai, the faculty incharge of the cell. The session was very informative and of great help to the people. The efforts taken by the cell members made the program successful.

Guirim Free Legal Aid Cell – Program on Child Rights

The program was organized by the Gurim Free Legal Aid Cell in collaboration with Childline, on the 11th of February, 2017 in order to spread awareness about the rights of children. The program was held at Guirim Panchayat Hall.  The faculty in charge of the Cell, Prof. Pearl Monteiro was present for the same.

It was an hour long session and commenced at 3:30 pm. The members had conducted campaigning in the neighbourhood day in advance, which ensured an audience of about people, of which 22 were children from the neighboring schools.

Human Rights of the Child - Legal Literacy @ Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell

Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell conducted legal literacy programme on 31^st January 2017, under the able guidance of faculty in – charge of the cell Prof. Dr. Nagesh Colvalkar on topic titled ‘Human Rights in relation to Child Rights’ at V.V.S Kunkoliekar Higher Secondary School, Ela,Old-Goa. Child Rights members (CRG - NGO) of the State of Goa Ms. Nishtha Desai and Ms. Sushma Pawar graced the function. Ms. Lorna Lotlikar, Principal of V.V.S Higher Secondary School, Old-Goa also showed her presence on the occasion.

The programme commenced with welcome address and introduction of the guests given by student cell member Ms. Maria Cota Viegas. Ms. Nishtha Desai explained the history behind child rights, while narrating the story of a minor girl 9 years old by name Mary Ellen who was physically and mentally abused. In 1873, Ella Wheeler, a social worker came to know the condition of Mary and helped her through the support of ‘American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’.

This was the main cause which led to the establishment of ‘New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Childrens’ in 1875, which was the 1^st remarkable and bold step taken in the annals of the history of United Nation Conventions on the Rights of the Child. This cause was supported by India, on 11^th December 1992 by ratifying the Convention. 

Ms. Nishtha further proceeded to state that, Childrens Rights in Goa (CRG) is dedicated to improving the status of children’s in the state. It creates awareness on the rights of the child and is committed to prevent child abuse and exploitation of children. It is also committed to promote gender justice through the activities it conducts. Focussing on the ‘best interest principle’; the rights of the child which includes the Right to Survival, the Right to Development, the Right to Protection and the Right to Participation and stressing on the fact that offence against the child warrants penalty, Ms. Nishtha discussed on the constitution of CRC. Other serious issues which can be eradicated only by honest commitment from people at large were also discussed such as Female Foeticide; Child Labour; Beggary; Child Sexual Abuse; Child Sexual Exploitation; Corporal Punishment and Negligence.

Another key note speaker from CRG, Ms. Sushma Pawar explained the legislation relating to the Goa Childrens’ Act (2003) with special reference to zero rejection in school, health cards for all the children’s, internet safety etc. Other child related laws were also highlighted such as Child Labour (Prevention & Regulation Act 1986); Right to Education Act; Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act; Juvenile Justice Act, etc.

The session was informative and interactive. The programme ended with refreshments and vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ellysen Dias Sapeco.

Legal Awareness on Child Rights - Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell

The Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell in association with Child line conducted a legal literacy programme on 29 January 2017, at the Santoshi Mata Temple at New Vadem, Vasco. The programme began at 16.30 hrs with the Inaugural address by the Deputy cell in – charge, Ms. Nikita Singh. The guest speakers, Ms. Suraya Borges and Ms. Suzanna De Souza were introduced to the crowd. As a gesture of appreciation a rose was presented to the dignitaries. Prof. Ms. Ashwini Naik, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme. 

 

The programme began with an interactive session with the audience, where Ms. Suraya Borges asked the locals about their knowledge as to child rights. The next speaker for the day, Ms.  Suzanna de Souza spoke at length about the various child rights and its relevance in the modern world. She stated that as crimes against children may it be in the form of abuse or exploitation is increasing at an alarming rate in the State of Goa, the rights of children are at stake and demands protection. Further, she said that the tender age of children make them undergo great mental trauma and depression when offences are committed against them. Hence, she appealed to all to work together to bring awareness on this issue which is a major area of concern. Safety and security of children being one of the objective of child line, she also urged the audience to provide aid to the child in need of counselling by bring it to the notice of Child line. 

The guests were presented with mementos and refreshments served to the public present at the programme. The programme concluded at 18.00 hrs with a thanks note proposed by Ms. Uthara.

Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell Organizes Talk on Child Rights

Valpoi Legal Aid cell members and faculty in charge, Prof. Aamod Shirali with the guest speakers and special invitees 

Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law in collaboration with 'Childline' organised an awareness program on the much needed topic of Child Rights, Child Abuse and Information on Childline 1098. The talk was held on 28th January 2017 in Massordem village, Valpoi – Goa. The Cell was ably guided by Prof. Aamod Shirali, Faculty in-charge of the cell.

An extensive two day campaign in the village was undertaken by the cell members, Mohd. Afaq Khan, Akshata Desai, Rajdeep Desai and Shamroz Khan. The members also procured necessary permission to use the temple premises from Mr. Suryakant Gawas (Head of the Village).

The keynote speakers for the programme were Co-ordinators of childline Suzan D'souza and Vinita Gadekar. Mr. Rajdeep Dessai, Member of the Cell welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest to the people Mohd. Afaq Khan, the Student in-charge of Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell spoke about the Aims and Objectives of the Cell.

The coordinator of Childline, Ms Suzan D'souza spoke on the rights of the child, the government schemes available to children, and cautioned the parents to guard their children especially when they use internet. A National Award winning movie titled, Komal was shown. 

Ms. Vinita Gadekar gave details about the Childline organisation. She informed that if any person notices any child alone, in need of shelter, or when the child is abused or beaten etc, Childline is to be informed at the earliest. She requested the public to call immediately on the childline number 1098. 

The programme was attended in large numbers by the villagers from Massordem - Valpoi. Deputy incharge of the cell, Ms. Akshata Desai proposed the vote of thanks.

Porvorim (Sanjay School) Free Legal Aid Cell - Legal Awareness Program

Porvorim Free Legal Aid Cell (Sanjay School) of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law organised a talk on "Child Line Awareness" at Holy Family High School Porvorim Goa, on 28th January 2017. The key note speakers for the function were Ms. Suraya Borjes and Ms.Jessica Perreira (Members of Child Line Organisation Prof. Ranjana Ferrao, the faculty in-charge attended the program.

Ms.Jessica Perreira discussed about definition of 'child’ and about the rights of children . She interacted with the audience and tried to find out whether they were aware of 'child line'. They showed short films on awareness of child helpline and how children and parents have to be vigilant about their safety. In case any child happened to victim of child abuse, the measures to be taken were enumerated. She also had one to one question and answer session with the audience.

The teaching staff of Holy Family School and the children of 9th Std. attended the program. Also present for the function was Mrs Nalini Xavier, principal of Holy Family High School. Mr.Bernard Fernandez, Member of the Cell compered the function. Ms Danica d'souza proposed the vote of thanks. The program was very well received by the audience.

Margao Free Legal Aid Cell – Legal Literacy Campaign

The Margao Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaoacar College of Law conducted their Legal Literacy Programme at Rotary Hall, Fatorda on 22nd January, 2017. The members of the cell collaborated with Child Line to conduct a programme on Child Rights, Child Abuse and Children & Cyber Law. Two speakers were present from Child Line Ms.Suraya and Ms. Padma. Faculty in charge Prof.Sonal Sardesai along with the president of Rotary club Margao Mr. TanmayMahajan attaended the program. 

The cell in charge, Mr.Bryan Barbosa Noronha, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief account of the objectives and functioning of the Margao Free Legal Aid Cell. The speakers started the talk by informing about the functions of Child Line and how it works. They discussed the various rights children. In order to help explain how children suffer from sexual abuse they showed a short animated clip to the audience and later asked questions on the same. The response from the crowd was very good; they questioned the speakers about the various aspects of their work. 

The student deputy in charge proposed vote of thanks.Around 45 people attended the programme. 

Moira LAC – Legal Awareness Program

Moira Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaoacar College of Law conducted its Annual Legal Literacy Program in association with Child line on 21st January 2017 at Moira Panchayat Hall. 

Dr. Nagesh Colvalakar, the faculty in charge of the Cell was present for the same. The student members addressed the villagers and explained about the purpose of the legal aid cell and the various services it renders. 

Taleigao Free Legal Aid Cell - Legal Literacy Program on Rights of Children

The Taleigao Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law, Goa took up Child Rights as their theme for Legal Awareness.  The program was organized in association with Childline 1098. The faculty in charge, Dr.Nagesh Colvalakar attended the program, which was held on7th January 2017 at the Kshetrapal Damodar Temple, Durgawadi.

The members of Taleigao Free Legal Aid Cell with Childline members and Dr. Nagesh Colvalkar

Interactive session

Educational Movie screened

Legal Awareness on Child Rights at Merces

Solely motivated by the principle that ‘Children should be inspired to defend their rights’, the Mercers free legal aid cell conducted its annual Legal Literacy programme on 6^thJanuary 2017, at St.cruz Panchayat Hall in collaboration with the child line. The Programme was attended by the Students of St.cruz High School, and by the locals. The representative faculty Prof. Dr. K.S. Rao was present on the occasion.

The Inaugural address given by the Deputy student cell in - charge Ms. Saicha Dessai. She introduced and welcomed the guest speaker.  

The Programme then began with the Speaker interacting with the crowd about their knowledge on Child line. The crowd was first  reluctant to answer any questions but at the later point responded overwhelmingly to the questions posed by the Speaker. Speaker spoke about the purpose of child line and also provided information about quick help line numbers for women. They also encouraged the people to safeguard themselves from any kind of abuse; then proceeded to give a few other examples wherein a lot of children were actually victims and have called the child line for their help and then conducted a demonstration to confirm whether the child line number is functional or not, for that purpose asked people to call and it did work. The Programme  concluded with vote of thanks delivered by student cell in - charge Ms. Firdoussa Babepari. 

Legal Literacy Program at Mala Free Legal Aid Cell

On 18^th December 2016 Mala free legal aid cell conducted a Legal Literacy programme on the topic titled ‘Child Rights’ at Hedgewar Higher Secondary School, Mala.

The programme commenced with the welcome address delivered by the faculty incharge of the cell Prof. Bhakti Naik. The key speakers from child line were Ms. Pranita Kalangutkar and Ms. Jessica Pereira. Jessica Pereira spoke about the objective and functioning of the child line which functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Ms. Parnita Kalangutkar spoke about the works under taken by their organisation which included working for betterment of street children; helping children in distress, orphans; efforts undertaken to prevent child abuse etc. She educated the audience on three abuses against the child i.e. Physical, emotional and sexual and further explained on good and bad touch and the way parents / guardians must handle such cases.  She also enlightened on the rights of the child which included ‘right to survival’, ‘right to education’ etc. A couple of live cases handled by the organisation were also stated at the programme.

An animated video clip which was based on the real case of child abuse was screened. She appealed to the audience categorically stating that child abuse is a grave offence and the distressed or the complainant must immediately contact the helpline no 1098 in any such instances.

The session was informative and interactive. The entire programme was compared by Siddharth Sardesai and it ended with verse of gratitude delivered by Jay Sawaikar.

Dona Paula Free Legal Aid Cell hosts Awareness Session on Child Rights

Dona Paula Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law in association with Childline 1098 organized a legal awareness program on Child Rights and Child Abuse on 17^th Dec 2016 under the guidance of Prof. Aamod Shirali, Faculty in-charge of the cell. The members conducted intensive campaigning in the neighbourhood weeks before the program. The program was held in Shri Satteri Devasthan Mandir in Aivao village in Dona Paula.

Mr. Bhalchandra Bandodker, Student in-charge welcomed the guests and audience. Ms Rashmi, resource person from Childline gave a brief introduction about Childline, followed by the interactive session by Ms Pranita, a counsellor from Childline. The various rights of the children were discussed including the  right to play, right to go to school, right to development, and right to survival.

A short film “Komal” was shown to the audience.  This film had won a National award. The film depicted the story about an eight year old girl Komal who was sexually abused by her father’s friend. The protagonist “Komal” instead of keeping quiet, shares this incident with her parents and her parents approached Childline 1098 for assistance and help. This was followed by a brief discussion on the film and question and answer session.

Ms. Kavita Naik, Cell Member proposed the vote of thanks. The program was attended by about 60 people and was well received by the audience.

Bicholim Legal Aid Cell – Legal Literacy Programme

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.