ACV Project Organises Awareness Programme on Child Protection and Children’s Rights at Kuyemuri

As part of its continued efforts to empower adolescents with knowledge and life skills, the Amplifying Community Voices Project – Adolescent Initiative organised an awareness programme on 30 June 2026 at Kuyemuri Herambagopalpur Sanatan Milan Vidyapith. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Swayangsiddha, an initiative of the West Bengal Police, with the objective of educating young people about critical issues affecting their safety, dignity, and future.

The awareness session focused on three important themes: prevention of child marriage, prevention of human trafficking, and promotion of children’s rights. Around 500 students from Classes VII to XII, along with teachers, representatives of the ACV Project, and officials from Patharpratima Police Station, actively participated in the programme.

The event began with a series of student presentations that reflected their understanding of social issues affecting children and adolescents. Through speeches and discussions, the students highlighted the root causes of child marriage and child labour, explained the different forms of human trafficking, and discussed the long-term physical, emotional, educational, and economic consequences of these practices. Their participation demonstrated not only awareness but also a growing sense of responsibility towards protecting themselves and others within their communities.

Following the student presentations, officials from Patharpratima Police Station conducted an informative and interactive session. They explained the legal framework surrounding child marriage and human trafficking, the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in preventing such crimes, and the various measures taken by the administration to protect vulnerable children. The officers encouraged students to remain vigilant, recognise warning signs of abuse and exploitation, and understand that timely reporting can prevent serious crimes.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of seeking help without fear. The officials introduced students to the Child Helpline (1098) and emergency services 100/112, explaining when and how these services can be accessed. They also guided students on the process of reporting suspicious activities, assured them that support systems are available for victims, and encouraged them to speak up whenever they witness or experience situations that threaten the safety or rights of children.

The programme forms part of the ACV Project’s broader Adolescent Initiative, which aims to equip adolescents with knowledge about their rights, develop their confidence to identify and report risks, and nurture them as informed, responsible, and socially conscious citizens. By creating opportunities for interaction with law enforcement agencies and subject experts, the initiative helps bridge the gap between awareness and action, enabling young people to become active participants in safeguarding their own communities.

To conclude the programme, a quiz was conducted to assess the participants’ understanding of the topics covered during the session. The enthusiastic participation of the students reflected the effectiveness of the awareness programme and reinforced the key messages shared throughout the day.

Building on the success of this programme, the ACV Project will continue organising similar awareness sessions in other nearby schools over the coming days. Through these outreach initiatives, the project aims to reach a larger number of adolescents, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and practical understanding needed to protect themselves and others from child marriage, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. By extending these programmes across the region, the ACV Project seeks to foster a safer, more informed, and child-friendly community where young people are empowered to stand up for their rights and contribute to positive social change.

The teachers present appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of conducting such awareness programmes regularly. They observed that sustained engagement on issues such as child marriage, human trafficking, and children’s rights is essential for building informed communities where every child can grow up in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.

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