Dignitaries and resources persons with participants of sensitization programme on school-related gender-based violence at Kigwema on September 9.
Kohima, September 10 (MExN): A sensitization programme on School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) was held under the initiative of the Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) SRGBV Committee, Kohima at Government Higher Secondary School, Kigwema on September 9.
The programme was chaired by Apukheno Yano, Teacher Counsellor, and commenced with an invocation led by Atone Chukhotolu, Vice Principal, GHSS Kigwema.
The programme brought together students, teachers and non-teaching staff with the objective of creating greater awareness on child protection, gender equality, safe reporting mechanisms, prevention of violence, and the promotion of a safe, inclusive and child-friendly environment within educational institutions.
The programme featured resource persons from the District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, One Stop Centre and Child Helpline 1098.
Sekho Dawhuo, District Child Protection Officer, Kohima, while speaking on the role of the Lighthouse School Complex–SRGBV Committee, highlighted the importance of creating a safe, inclusive and child-friendly school environment. He emphasized that prevention of school-related violence requires active participation from students, teachers, school authorities and the wider community.
Kielie Nakhro, Member, Child Welfare Committee, Kohima, sensitized the participants on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, explaining the need to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and the responsibility of adults to respond appropriately to suspected cases. He also spoke on the child's right to privacy and confidentiality, stressing that the identity and personal information of a child involved in a case must be handled with utmost care and sensitivity.
Vimenu Richa, Centre Administrator, One Stop Centre, addressed the participants on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). She further emphasized respect for diversity, gender equality and non-discrimination, calling upon participants to challenge harmful stereotypes and prevent exclusion and discriminatory behaviour.
Rheituohunuo Whourie, Project Coordinator, Child Helpline (1098), explained the safe reporting mechanisms available to students, encouraging children to speak up when they feel unsafe or face violence, abuse or harassment. She also sensitised the gathering on the concept of safe and unsafe touch, helping students understand personal boundaries and the importance of seeking help from trusted adults and appropriate authorities.
In her concluding remarks, she appealed to all teachers and students to join hands in creating a child-friendly, safe, and supportive environment where every child feels protected, respected, and heard. She also encouraged everyone to call Child Helpline 1098 whenever they see a child in distress or come across a child who may need help or protection. She assured the students that child protection service providers are available to listen, support, protect, and assist children in need.
Vikheka Assumi, UBI, OC of Khuzama Police Station, sensitized students on the increasing cases of cybercrime involving children and young people. He highlighted incidents of online job fraud, where students have been deceived through fake employment offers, as well as cases involving lost mobile phones and the potential misuse or loss of sensitive personal data stored on such devices. He urged students to adopt safe digital practices, protect their personal information and promptly report cyber fraud, suspicious online activities and lost phones to the police.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Apukheno Yano, Teacher Counsellor, and commenced with an invocation led by Atone Chukhotolu, Vice Principal, GHSS Kigwema.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by Rose Chishi, Principal, GHSS Kigwema, who appreciated the initiative and emphasized the collective responsibility of the school community in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every child.
