NGO conducts awareness workshop on child safety

The Himalayan Foundation, an NGO, organised an awareness workshop at the Government Primary School in Trimath near Shimla as part of its ‘Save the Child Awareness Campaign’. The session focused on educating children about the concept of good and bad touch to help protect them from sexual abuse.

During the workshop, school headmaster Ravinder Singh urged students to speak openly about any uncomfortable experiences, advising them to communicate with their parents, close relatives or school teachers for help.

Educationist Sonia explained the concept of good and bad touch under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She informed the children the POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, offers protection from sexual abuse for all children under 18, irrespective of gender. Sonia also highlighted the law imposes penalties for sexual assault and harassment and provides support services to victims, including special courts for fast-tracked justice.

Raghubir Singh, president of the Himalayan Foundation, emphasised preventing sexual crimes against children is a collective responsibility. He stressed the Foundation’s campaign aims to raise awareness and create a safe environment for children by educating them about sexual abuse. Singh also mentioned the formation of Juvenile Justice Boards at the district level under the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2000, which works to protect and rehabilitate children who encounter legal problems.