Every two seconds a child is abused. Majority of the cases go unreported. Is there anyone to stop child abuse? Childhood is the best part of one’s life, so do not snatch it away. Let us make every effort to stop this violence.
These were some of the strong messages a group of schoolchildren expressed through the poster making contest organised by Ninad Anant Barbadikar, a Class XI student of Visakha Valley School, along with his classmate Sameer Hussain at Niranjan Hall.
Inspired by the theme of Horlicks Wizkids contest of the year on educating children and adults about child sexual abuse and ways of preventing it, the duo has teamed up to take up a number of initiatives.
“Poster competition is just the beginning. Essay writing, elocution, slogan writing and many more are in store,” says Ninad, who has topped the city-level Horlicks Wizkids contest recently.
To bring down child abuse to the extent possible, a long term campaign has been rolled out. “With the schools just reopened after cyclone Hudhud, we will now be visiting the schools, distribute pamphlets, give a digital presentation and talk about the intricacies in dealing with the victims of child abuse along with the means to prevent the heinous crime,” says Sameer.
The contest, participated by 50 students from Classes VII to XII, also saw G. Subhash, a Class III student of Kids Create School. About child abuse, he confesses: “It is scary and confusing.”
Explaining about her poster of a girl with a bruised face and tears welling up her cheeks, Shweta, a Class X student, says, “This girl cannot handle anymore violence as she has been constantly abused and beaten up by many. By painting this I want to sensitise people to be considerate towards the little ones.”
