Page 53 - Creating Resilience in Communities-Success Stories 24 Jan 22.indd

right acts and laws, like the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences I have learnt about so many (POCSO) Act, etc. that were discussed during the schemes and initiatives which the Child Protection Committee meetings. Dilisha government has taken to safeguard was eager to make families, and especially the children and their childhood. It gives girls in her community, aware about the different me and the other children in our rights and issues that could improve the quality community the confidence to go to of their lives. the appropriate authorities if we Dilisha created a chain of information in her ever face any injustice related to community, going from door-to-door and child rights. discussing different topics on different days. – Dilisha, 14-year-old Child Protection Committee member The issues she sensitized the community on included: Reporting the usage of Raising drugs and one’s voice Spreading Perils and criminal against awareness Importance health risks Girl’s activities abuse, about of of child nutrition happening harassment, gender education marriage in and and equality around the eve-teasing community This chain of information started from the children in the Committee meetings, which in turn spread to the families, and finally to the community. The change By working through a community with a child-led approach to curb issues like child labour, child marriage, and abuse against the children in her community, Dilisha, with the support of Save the Children, could overcome the barriers of her low social status to empower children, foster their participation, and give them the power to demand their rights and report anything they found to be inappropriate or unjustified. Empowering Dilisha, which in turn led to the creation of many more role models in the community, is a successful example of how Save the Children creates resilient communities which can confront and resolve many of the risks and problems that they face. Creating Resilience in Communities and Schools - Success Stories 51