By Our Correspondent
BERHAMPUR: Youth for Social Development and Odisha State Commission for protection of child Rights (OSCPCR) launched a Child Rights campaign – ‘Mental Health of Children -ensuring protection and care’ on Monday at Dhobabandhhuda Slum in Berhampur. The campaign has been initiated keeping in mind the mental health of children which is an essential part of a child’s overall health including both physical and mental health.
The Chairperson Ms. Sandhyabati Pradhan inaugurated the Campaign Ratha. The District Child Protection Officer Mr. Subodh Kumar Sarangi and Project Coordinator Mr. Sarat Maharana, District Social Welfare officer Ms. Surekhasundari Mallik, Berhampur Urban CDPO-1 and 2, supervisors, from Action Aid Mr. Devabrata Mahunta and Chandan Kumar Sahu from Youth for Social Development (YSD) also presented to grace this inauguration.
Mr. Sandyabati Pradhan emphasized on Every child needs a safe and protected environment for their growth and wellbeing. Parents, teachers, guardians and community should work together for ensuring a safe environment for children. Ongoing pandemic impacted the overall well-being & growth of children so, there is a need to reach out these children & their families to understand this situation and build confidence on them regarding child rights. The socio-economic distress caused by the pandemic has made matters worse for children living in poverty. These include those at risk of child labour, early marriage and trafficking, children with special needs and those in care institutions.
Besides, they are being exposed to increased exploitation and abuse. With the lockdown restricting their mobility and outdoor recreational activities, having to stay confined within deplorable housing conditions has led to increased levels of anxiety among them, adversely impacting their mental health. The pandemic, as we know, has hugely disrupted the schooling system for children since March. In this context the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), District Child Protection Unit, Action Aid and Youth for Social Development (YSD) is initiating the Child Protection Campaign Ratha a state level campaign to connect children and the society.
