ANMA Integrated Development Organisation (AIDA)-Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD) observed the 3rd annual convention program at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, auditorium, here on Saturday, under the theme, “Voice for every child: Inclusion, Protection and Participation.”
The event was graced by 22nd Assam Rifles, Medziphema, Commandant, Col. Kartik Thapa, as special guest and District Child Protection Office (DCPO), Chumoukedima, Nikito Zhimomi as guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Col. Kartik Thapa, spoke on the theme, noting that the day was a celebration of dedicated journey to uplift and empower children and adolescent which was crucial in the urbanized region of Dimapur and Chümoukedima. He said while they shared a vision of realizing every child’s rights, challenges remained, where many children were denied education, safety, health, and a voice in the conflict-affected region.
He highlighted AIDA Dimapur’s commendable efforts in creating a safe environment for children and its efforts in building a strong social safety net through awareness seminars, child rights clubs, and partnerships with teachers, parents, and civil society focusing not just on discussion, but action.
He encouraged continued efforts to build an environment where every child can thrive, learn, and lead. Footprints Academy, Headmistress, Neisavinuo Mor spoke on “Shaping Safe Spaces Together,” emphasizing the importance of creating secure environments for children both at home and in school. She highlighted a 2023 child-led survey in Dimapur and Chümoukedima, conducted by Child-Friendly Dimapur under AIDA, which revealed concerning safety issues.
The survey found that abuse was more common than expected, with inappropriate gestures (26.36%), unpleasant touch (20.91%), and harsh statements (19.09%) being the most reported forms. Shockingly, 72% of abusers were familiar to the children. The most common places of abuse were schools (25.69%), neighborhoods (12.84%), and homes (11.01%), though children felt safest in Anganwadi centres, hospitals, places of worship, and grocery stores.
She stressed that familiarity doesn’t always guarantee safety, highlighting the shared responsibility of the community in shaping safe spaces.
She emphasized the role of schools as the first line of protection, urging the implementation of strict safety policies, educator training, secure environments, and teaching children about their rights. Parents, as the first line of defines, should stay involved in their child’s education, teach respect at home, and listen to their children’s concerns with sensitivity, she said.
She further encouraged students to trust their feelings, recognize unsafe touch, and speak up if something feels wrong, encouraging them to use “NO, GO, TELL” rule, being cautious online, staying in safe areas, and memorizing emergency contacts.
DCPO, Chümoukedima, Nikito Zhimomi spoke on the topic “Role of stakeholders in Child Protection,” emphasizing the urgent need for collective responsibility in protecting children. He shared his personal journey into child protection and stressed that every stakeholder parents, teachers, schools, family members, government, media, and individuals has a role to play. He urged the public to report any abuse or trafficking via the 1098 helpline, assuring confidentiality and quick response.
Other highlight of the program included songs by Evershine School, Dimapur, Child Rights Club, and Child Rights Club, Sangtamtilla, CFD, AIDA, Project Coordinator, Garrol Lotha gave a glimpse of Child Friendly Dimapur, dance performances by Angel Home Rehabilitation Center and Chumoukedima, Ward 5, Kumtsu Kips, CRC, a drama performance by Salesian College of Hr. Education, Dimapur and short speech by Child Rights Facilitator, Rhonbemo Humtsoe.