Child Rights and Protection

The programme is integrated with various activities related to ensure child rights and their protection. The programme includes networking of similar organisations which is aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 17.

Schools should be sanctuaries of learning and growth, yet for too many children, they can be a source of fear. At Pratigya, we recently had the profound opportunity to present our state-level research dissemination on “Understanding Child Protection Mechanisms in Schools of Jharkhand.” For the past six months, our dedicated teams have been on the ground, engaging with over 1000 children, 100 parents, and 50 teachers across the state to explore the various forms of violence children face—be it physical, verbal, sexual, or cyber based—and the systemic responses to these critical issues. Voices like "School chhor dena aasan hai" (It's easier to leave school) and "Seekhna hai toh maar khani padegi" (If you want to learn, you'll have to endure beatings) tragically underscore the daily pain some children endure, highlighting the urgent need for change.

The dissemination event was a powerful convergence of minds, bringing together government officials, UNICEF representatives, legal experts, mental health professionals, and grassroots organizations. We engaged in meaningful discussions, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive Child Protection Policies, robust capacity building, and truly sensitive systems that genuinely respond to children's needs—especially those from different geography, caste, gender and ability. We were incredibly honored by the presence of Shri Shashi Ranjan (Senior IAS), State Project Director JEPC, who not only appreciated the study but also opened a crucial collaborative space to develop a comprehensive Child Protection Policy for the entire state of Jharkhand.

Powerful suggestions emerged from these discussions, including the vital inclusion of psychologists and trained peer support in schools, strengthening child-friendly reporting systems, building awareness among Panchayats, teachers, and school committees, and crucially, collecting real stories directly from children to guide policy development. We also emphasized the importance of including disabled children and gender minorities in these protection frameworks. This vital conversation must continue. We call upon everyone to join hands and work collaboratively to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child in Jharkhand. Because every child deserves to feel safe and secure while learning.