It is the responsibility of parents to take care of their children. However, society also plays an important role in ensuring that every child grows up safe and protected. Through RENEW’s Integrated Programme for Child Protection, local leaders and volunteers are taking ownership of ensuring the safety of children in their communities.
Local leaders and volunteers from Dungna and Lokchina Gewogs including relevant agencies recently came together for the project’s appraisal meeting.
Participants shared that children in remote areas have fewer opportunities and are often more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
They said such initiative has helped them understand the crucial role a community plays in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
Sonam Rinchen, a volunteer from Dungna Gewog said, “People in our village still lack information on child protection. Children in the gewog are not safe. This doesn’t mean all are not safe but there are a few who are not safe. That is because, people are not aware of community’s responsibility. However, from here on, we will create awareness.”
Pemba, Dungna Mangmi said, “This workshop will benefit our community a lot. We will now create awareness and work towards ensuring child protection in our gewog. The gewog hopes to work on it.”
Suk Bdr Tamang, Lokchina Mangmi said,“Since our people are uneducated, they do not know about it. However, from here on, with RENEW’s support we commit to create awareness. Our children are our country’s jewel and if we do not protect them, we will lose them.”
According to RENEW, child protection systems aim to protect children before harm occurs, ensure quick and effective help for those who experience harm, and make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe.
Pema Choki, the centre manager of RENEW, Phuentshogling said, “Children in urban area have easy access to every service and is convenient. In case of any mishap to children in remote areas, they do not get immediate support. Therefore, we want the community to take the responsibility. With necessary skills and knowledge, they can intervene with a shared responsibility.”
In the first phase of the project, community-based child protection mechanisms will be established in Chhukha, Dagana, and Samtse.
According to RENEW, these three districts have low disclosure rates of sexual and domestic violence, mainly due to stigma, fear, and prevailing cultural norms.
If it goes well, RENEW has plans to extend the initiative in other gewogs as well.
As communities take the lead in protecting their children, RENEW’s initiative reminds everyone that safeguarding a child’s future is not just the duty of parents or institutions, it is a shared responsibility.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Tshering Zam
