Children marvel at art works on display during the 3rd
annual convention of AIDA Child-Friendly Dimapur at Don Bosco Higher Secondary
School’s auditorium in Dimapur on Saturday.
DIMAPUR — A
survey conducted by Child-Friendly Dimapur (CFD) in Dimapur and Chümoukedima
during 2023 reported that 72% of abusers were known to the children and the
most common place where abuses occur are in schools at 25.69%, followed by
neighbourhood at 12.84% and even homes at 11.01%.
This was disclosed by the headmistress of Footprints
Academy, Neisavinuo Mor, during the 3rd annual convention programme of the AIDA
Child-Friendly Dimapur held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School’s auditorium
in Dimapur on Saturday on the theme “Voice for every child: inclusion,
protection and participation.” She remarked that the survey provided critical
insight into the safety concerns of children in the communities.
As per the survey, the most reported forms of abuse included
inappropriate gestures (26.36%), unpleasant touch (20.91%) and harsh statements
(19.09%). She noted that children feel safest at Anganwadi centres, hospitals,
places of worship and grocery stores.
“These findings remind us that familiarity does not always
mean safety. Just because a place is known to a child does not mean it is safe.
This is why shaping safe spaces together is not just a goal-it is a shared
responsibility,” she said.
According to her a safe space is more than just a physical
environment. It is a place where children feel emotionally, socially and
mentally secure, regardless of their background, gender, ability or social
status. She added that every child has the right to grow in a secure, nurturing
environment-a space where they can express themselves without pressure and
develop without limitation.
“Creating such environment requires collective action from
schools, parents, teachers and the community,” Mor said.
She stated that schools are the first line of protection and
must be a space where children feel secure, valued and free from harm and added
that schools could ensure child safety by implementing strict safety policies
through enforcing zero tolerance against bullying, abuse, harassment or
discrimination.
“When schools take proactive measures, they foster an
environment where every child can learn, grow and thrive without fear,” she
opined.
For the parents who are the first line of defence, she
stated that ensuring safety goes beyond the home-it extends to schools and
community.
“Be present and involved-not just when there's a problem.
Attend school events. Participate in parent-teacher meetings. Engage in your
child's education and personal growth, both online and offline. Encourage a
culture of respect teaching kindness, discipline, and inclusion at home ensures
children carry these values into school,” she conveyed.
Asserting that children learn by watching from elders, she
persuaded the parents to listen to their children and maintain fairness.
Whenever a child expressed discomfort or fear, she advised the parents not to
ignore them but support and take necessary action.
She also encouraged the children to speak up and not to keep
secrets that make them feel uncomfortable but talk to someone they trust.
In conclusion, Mor asserted that shaping safe space is not
just a policy, a rule or a discussion but a commitment we must make together as
families, schools and a community.
The guest of honour and district child protection officer of
Chümoukedima, Nikito Zhimomi, while dwelling on the role of stakeholders in
child protection, asserted that no child deserve to die or get injured because
of abuse or when they are at school.
“If you are a parent, teacher, school proprietor and if you
turn away from child issue, you are part of the problem,” he said adding that
as a responsible adult it should be their responsibility to intervene when
child cases arise. He stated that any case involving children should be held
transparently irrespective of their background.
He also reminded the gathering of a toll-free Child
Helpline-1098, which provides 24/7 emergency support for children in need of
care and protection.
The commandant of 15 Assam Rifles, Col. Sandeep Mandale,
stated that the shared vision of realising the rights of every child is not
just a noble idea but a necessity-a necessity in a world where far too many
children especially in conflict and disturbed affected regions are still denied
of their rights especially on education, safety, health and their voice.
Lauding the Child-Friendly Dimapur for their relentless
works towards child safety, he commended that each action has created a ripple
effect that has strengthened the community and created a culture of
responsibility and care for the youngest citizens.
The commandant, while acknowledging the team for not
hesitating in raising voice against injustice, expressed desire for future
collaboration with AIDA and the Assam Rifles Public School, Medziphema.
