Alappuzha, Aug 9 (NationPress) The Kerala Government has unveiled an extensive initiative aimed at identifying and preventing abuse and violence against children, both at home and within the community.

State Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated that this program, named Suraksha Mithram, is being launched by the Department of Public Education in collaboration with several state departments.

"This initiative is poised to become one of the most critical training programs of our era and will be executed scientifically," remarked Sivankutty.

This announcement follows a troubling incident at Hidayathul Islam L.P. School, Nooranad, Alappuzha, where a fourth-grade girl was allegedly abused by her father and stepmother.

The abuse was uncovered when a teacher found a written account of the incident in the girl's notebook.

Officials emphasized that the government will not tolerate violence against children and will guarantee comprehensive support and protection for victims.

As part of Suraksha Mithram, every school will establish a 'Help Box' for students to confidentially report any complaints or distressing situations.

The Headmaster or Headmistress will open the box weekly, forwarding relevant information to the Education Department for necessary action.

Teachers will receive specialized training to identify behavioral and academic changes that may indicate distress.

Additionally, programs like diary writing and zero-hour discussions will be promoted to encourage students to express themselves.

The initiative will be executed in partnership with the Departments of Women and Child Development, Social Justice, Local Self-Government, Health, and Police.

It will ensure access to medical assistance, counseling, and rehabilitation for affected children.

Current mechanisms, such as the Child Welfare Committee and helpline 1098, will be reinforced.

Parenting clinics will be set up at the block level to provide counseling to parents.

Furthermore, the government will train teachers as primary counselors, focusing on mental health, adolescent issues, and drug prevention.

The Centre for Child Development under the Health Department will oversee the training, which will be implemented in three phases, starting with teachers of Classes 8 to 12, followed by primary and upper primary educators.

State-level master training will be provided to 200 teachers through a three-day residential program that includes sessions on stress management and mindfulness.

Officials indicated that the Director of Public Education will soon release a Standard Operating Procedure for child safety.

The government has urged all stakeholders to collaborate in creating safe and secure environments in schools for children.