arise and go

Summer Camp - Suryakanthi

The Don Bosco Nivas Summer camp was conducted from 18^th to 24^th May 2016 at Don Bosco Nivas as holiday programme for inmates. It was titled “Suryakanthi – Arise and Go”. The camp was officially inaugurated by Fr Thomas P.D, Director CHILDLINE and Nivas. Welcome address was spoken by Ms Josna George. Words of appreciation were delivered by Mr Pramod. And to conclude the official ceremony Ms Beena gave the vote of thanks.

Suryakanthi was a breath of fresh air for the inmates at Nivas. They welcomed the move with sincere participation and sheer focus. Each day of the camp was filled with both academic as well as recreational activities. And the organisers made sure that not even a single boy was left out.

Daily Routine 

The day began with a prayer. Followed by a morning talk by the coordinators (Mr Thampi, Ms Mary, Ms Beena and Ms Josna), which included a message for the children. The next 15 minutes were reserved for meditation led by the same team.

From 10.30 classes were given to the children. Each day had a session on a relevant topic. The classes covered during the camp includeded:

·         Personal Health & Hygiene

The children were taught how to follow a daily routine in keeping oneself – neat and clean. Basic lesson on brushing, bathing, washing, and using toilet were given.

·         Awareness on Substance (Drug) Abuse

A very effective session was handled by Mr Emmanuel Silas. The slide show with snapshots on various drug abuse, different kinds of drugs and their harmful impacts were explained. 

·         Communicative English

Mr Biju Simon took three sessions on communicative English. Lessons on how to greet strangers were taught.

·         Essential Body Language Tips

Postures, gestures, and facial expressions for positivity were taught during this session. The children were cautioned on the negative movements as well. 

·         Importance of Education

Benefits of education and achieving one’s dreams were the main points for the session. The session was handled by Mr Ratheesh S.K

Various games and co curricular activities were included in the daily sessions. Mainly energisers action songs, fun games and so on. Some of the most entertaining among them were the following:-

·         Paper fancy dress

·         Theme based Skit competition

·         Musical Chair

·         Elocution

·         Light Music

·         Story Telling

The concluding function was attended by Fr Thomas P.D (Director), Biju Simon (Coordinator), Josna George and report submitted by Beena Joy (VT Trainer). A few of the children, who attended the camp, shared their experience on it and expressed their words of gratitude. They urged the coordinators to continue the camp in the coming years as well. Most of them could feel that their communicative skills had improved and gained more self confidence.

The tagline of our camp Suryakanthi was “Arise and Go”. And we could inculcate this message into them. All the participants could introspect and realise their inner powers and strengths.

    

missing children's day

                                                                Missing Children’s Day Observed

An awareness campaign on International Missing Children Day was conducted on May 25, 2016 at Don Bosco Nivas, Trivandrum. The programme aimed at sensitising the Auto Drivers of Trivandrum city with the cooperation of Thampanoor police station and CHILDLINE Trivandrum. More than 70 auto rickshaw drivers registered for the innovative venture.

The inaugural ceremony began with a prayer song by the inmates of Don Bosco Nivas. Welcome address was delivered by Mr Manuel George, programme coordinator and senior team member of CHILDLINE. Fr Thomas P.D, Director, CHILDLINE and Nivas Trivandrum gave the keynote address on the importance of the occasion. He explained in detail regarding the observance of the cause, the plight of parents who miss their children

Adv Jayalekshmi. V, ward counsellor, Thampanoor delivered the presidential address. She stressed the significance of children in our society and the programme was definitely the need of the hour. She warned the audience on burdening the children with mark oriented academics. She also focussed on remaining patient while dealing with children.

Mr Prakash, the SHO of Thampanoor gave the inaugural address. He expressed the delight in seeing active participation from the auto rickshaw drivers. He conveyed that many children have been rescued by the intervention of rickshaw drivers and they could indeed be a caring community for children. The SI also noted that at many instances they create a better impact than the expensive CCTV cameras installed at various traffic points which remain futile.

The highlight of the session was an awareness class by Mr Jobi Kondoor, District Coordinator, CHILDLINE. He was very brief but precise on different days observed on children, rights of the child and how to raise one’s voice against its violation. As a future plan a community whatsapp group has been created with a view to report children related issues.  This group has members ranging from auto drivers, social workers, CHILDLINE members, and also the top strata of the police community. Essentially a safety net has been created to save potential missing children through this initiative

                                                                                                                           

Vote of Thanks was presented by Mr Sivaprasad, Team member, CHILDLINE expressing gratitude to each and everyone present at the function.               

adhd

Hyperactivity – Being Naughty

Children running around and creating all sorts of mess is just another common sight at our shelter home. But most households or schools may not appreciate this trend. They opt for disciplinary measures such as punishment or expulsion. Unfortunately, most of the trainers and administrators are not patient enough to identify the cause of such restlessness among children.

Anirudh (name given) a 14 year old child was recently the centre of attraction in a very gruesome incident. An altercation with his neighbours regarding a petty issue happened to be the root cause. At the height of the dispute, the boy abused them and in return got his eye smashed by a brick!!! As unbelievable the case might seem, but it is only fair enough to judge the mindset of the boy; he was diagnosed of Hyperactivity (ADHD). The boy was a former inmate at our shelter home, is now back for behavioural therapy. Yet the question here is not answered. Is Anirudh to be blamed for this???

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a state of excess activity that may be manifested by symptoms such as fidgeting, jumpiness, nervousness, or excessive movement. It is often accompanied by difficulty concentrating or focusing on a task, excessive talking, or difficulty remaining quiet in school.

People with ADHD may experience (courtesy Google Info):

Behavioural: aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions.

Cognitive: difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or short attention span.

Mood: anger, anxiety, or excitement.

Also common: depression or learning disability.

Many of the symptoms are within the normal range for children to experience. A diagnosis of ADHD is made by evaluating the child under several criteria. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teens. The average age of diagnosis is 7. Older children exhibiting these symptoms may have ADHD, but often have exhibited rather elaborate symptoms early in life.

7 Signs of Hyperactivity

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health disorder that can affect a child's success in school and with interpersonal relationships. These children exhibit certain symptoms which need to be identified as early as possible.

The 7 common signs of ADHD are stated below:-

1.    Self - Centric

A child with hyperactivity disorder is often “Me”-Focused child. She/he barely takes time to recognise or value the needs of others.   

2.    Emotional Turmoil

A child with ADHD may have difficulty keeping emotions — both good and bad — in check. They may have outbursts of anger at inappropriate times or temper tantrums (in younger children)

3.    Fidget and Squirm

Children with ADHD often can't sit still. They may try to get up and run around or fidget or squirm in their chair when forced to sit. They try to make all kinds of gestures with their body.

4.    Unfinished Tasks

A child with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but may have problems seeing them through to the end. For example, they may start projects, chores, or homework but leave, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before finishing.

5.    Lack of Focus

A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, even when being spoken to directly. They'll say they heard you, but won’t be able to repeat back to you what you just said. 

6.    Careless Mistakes

It's important to remember that children with ADHD aren't lazy or less intelligent than other children. They just have difficulty following instructions that require planning or executing a plan. This can then lead to careless mistakes.

7.    Day Dreamer

Children with ADHD are typically portrayed as rambunctious and loud, but that's not always the case. Another possible sign is being quieter and less involved than the other kids. Such children may often stare into space, daydreaming, and ignore what's going on around them.

Best Treatment for ADHD

Currently available treatments aim at reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, education and training, or a combination of treatments.

"Your child has ADHD."

For most families, that means the beginning of a long trek through the world of medical shops and medications.

Parents and classroom teachers play a starring role in helping a child learn to recognize and adjust his behaviour. To medicate or not is your choice. No matter what your decision is, you need to help your ADHD child live a calmer, more successful life.

It remains a sad story for children in our society where teachers are just blissfully unaware of such problems of children and often children are expelled from schools because they are too ‘naughty’ and very little help is available for children with mental health issues or ADHD.

Valedictory

Vismayam 2016 - The Summer Vacation camp 2016 came to its glorious end on 9th May. The finale saw a colourful ceremony with  tears in the eyes of 130 children and their parents. 

The chief guest at the function was Fr. Philip Parackatt, member, child rights commission, Kerala. Sruthy, a cine artist, and SimiJyithis, Ward Councillor were also present as guests at the function. Fr. Mukkattil, Stephen, the rector of Don Bosco presided over the function. 

All the campers were provided educational materials and the four groups of the campers were provided prizes for their group activities. The invited guests handed over the same.

It was also a great opportunity for the  children to showcase their talents which they developed through the camp. The variety entertainment programme  by the children was enjoyable and surprised their parents. Some of the parents were surprised at the improved behaviour of the children after attending the camp.

Curtain came down on Vismayam 2016 with a Happy Land picnic on the next day ie, 10th May.

reunion

A Poignant Reunion

“Sir, I want to meet my mother. Please help me find her” These were the tear-filled from an 8 year old child, during one of our S4S (Success for Success) classes held in a prominent school in the city

Success for Success (S4S) is an integrated training package by Don Bosco Veedu for school students to cope, develop, encounter and solve day today difficulties in growing age. It has been devised to enlighten and strengthen also parents, teachers, police, social workers and other stake holders of children to think and act in favor of children in a child friendly manner. The classes have been carved out of many years of experience in dealing with the problems that children face in today’s society.

CHILDLINE immediately took up the boy’s case for review and initiated detailed investigation. Kiran, had always been longing to meet his mother. The teachers were always trying to find some way to find Kiran’s mother. Kiran had fond memories of his mother still fresh in his mind. She had left with his younger brother when Kiran was at the tender age of four, due to abusive behavior from his alcoholic father.

Presently, the boy was in need of his mother. He was comforted by his grandmother and school teachers. Kiran was worried: “When my grandma passes way, I’ll go with her” was his unbelievable cry. Our team resolved and promised the child that we would find her mother.  We contacted the school authorities and found an address of one of their relatives. Upon arriving at the place, we reached another dead end. The house owner (related to Kiran’s mother) had passed away.

When hope was at its end, we got another lifeline; one of the relatives attending the funeral told us that the lady we were searching for would come to attend the funeral. Finally we met the lady on the day of the funeral with the younger son. As we informed the matter, tears welled up in her eyes.

We arranged a meeting for the mother with the estranged child at our center. Emotions were at its highest during the reunion which is beyond words. The most poignant scene was Kiran trying to make the very first conversation with his little brother. We consider this as one of the best services that we have provided to a child in need. As long as children like Kiran need help, the society’s work continues.

Used as illustration