Plan India launches advocacy campaign 'Learn without Fear' in Orissa

Report by Ramesh Chandra Parida, Bhubaneswar : Plan India launches advocacy campaign “Learn without Fear” in Orissa. The campaign aims to prevent all forms of violence against children in schools. Bhubaneswar, 19th June 2009; Plan India, a child centered development organization as a part of its ongoing global initiative, launched its fourth state level campaign “Learn without

Fear” in Orissa. It follows the India Launch of the Campaign at New Delhi on 20th November 2008 and state level launch in Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh& Andhra Pradesh .Next state Launch are taking place in Bihar and Rajasthan shortly.

The objective of the campaign is to create an environment, which can prevent all forms of violence against children in schools. The campaign is against corporal punishment, sexual abuse, neglect, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, peer-to-peer violence, youth gangs, use of weapons, and harassment in school and on the journey to and from school.

In Orissa, plan India has been working through its partners with the children teachers and government in building awareness on “Safer Schools” and:’Model Schools’ in this progress plan India in co-ordination with the partners CYSD and PREM organized children consultation in 4 districts of Orissa to assess the situation as regards corporal punishment and map stakeholder opinion including that of children, parents, teachers and other duty bearers to end all forms of violence against children. It is realized that indeed there are many hurdles to cross-mind sets, practices, participation and steps for effective prevention.

Sri Pratap Jena, Honorable minister of State for Mass Education, Govt of Orissa launched the campaign in Orissa and Inaugurated, the “voices of Children” exhibition that highlighted issues of violence in schools. The “voices of Children “were communicated in the form of comics, cartoons, radio jingles, animation and short films. The key elements of on attendance in schools identified by the children were corporal punishment, Bullying, Neglect and discrimination.

The Hon’ble minister along with representatives from various fields affirmed their support to the campaign by joining the signature campaign against violence in schools. At the national level the signature campaign was kick started by Mr. Anil Kapoor, noted Acteor, and Goodwill Ambassador of Plan India. The campaign will cover the entire coutry to gather support for providing suffering environment for children.

Ms. LillyViswanathan,Advocacy  Manager plan Infis dysyrf “the campaign will be taken forward in Orissa to reach every nook and corner. The objective set for next three years is to increase awareness among children, teachers, parents, educational administrators and communities at the national, state and local levels on the negative impact of violenceon children and their right to learn in safe environment in schools.”