At Save the Children's project site in Villupuram, children who have been rescued from domestic labour and child trafficking are taught rhymes, art, dance… things that allow them to have a normal childhood. Actor Priya Anand, who visited the site recently, has now come forward to support the organisation in their work.
“I'm very fond of kids. For me, Save the Children is the right cause to get involved with,” she says, adding, “unlike child labour, domestic labour cannot be monitored. And in that environment, it's very easy for children to be abused.” As part of the non-Governmental organisation, Priya will help raise funds for projects and also spread awareness about the two main issues plaguing Tamil Nadu — child trafficking and domestic labour. “It's not enough to just rescue children and pull them away from work. The moment you send them home, they'll go back to work again. The whole idea is to educate parents and children, bring to light the kind of harsh conditions these children work in and the abuse that they might face,” she explains.
Child Rights Protection Committees are also formed, where the children get to be leaders among their peer groups, in order to learn leadership skills. “When a child is sent to work, the parents only think of the immediate money it will generate and the three meals it will put on the table. But they don't realise that in the long run, they're ruining chances of a better life,” says Priya, While the actor is busy with a few projects after the success of “180” , she maintains that her association with the NGO is long-term. “After ‘180', I've got calls from so many people appreciating my work . It's been overwhelming. I look forward to doing good cinema with good people. But that apart, my work with Save the Children is a long-term commitment. We're planning a lot of things in the coming days; events, campaigns, fund raising programmes etc.”
What inspired her to support this organisation? “I guess it's the feeling that every child needs a childhood,” she smiles.
To help a child or know more, visit >www.savethechildren.in
