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 

     

emotional abuse

Emotional Abuse – The ‘Cinderella’ Story

The fairy tale of “Cinderella” is well known among all of us. Apart from the protagonist, the one character that leaves a haunting mark in our minds is her step mother. As the arch-enemy of Cinderella, Lady Tremaine doesn't harm her stepdaughter physically. Rather, she seeks to punish and abuse her psychologically, motivated by her jealousy of Cinderella being far more beautiful and graceful than her own awkward daughters. 

Last day, a caller (a girl) from Trivandrum had a strikingly similar story to tell us. The girl pleaded that she and her sister be rescued from their house. The reason: Emotional harassment from their step mother.

When their mother eloped with another man, their father remarried and she from the first day of marriage, hated her stepchildren and did not waste any opportunity to inflict emotional stress.  And after a few years her mother too ganged up with the daughter to scar the children beyond repair. The elder sister was even diagnosed for paranoia due to the effects of her stepmom’s devious actions.  For the past six years, the children Megha (17), Sulekha (12) are regularly subjected to such cruelty. Though they took the matter to the father their father had absolutely no voice in the household matters and they had many filed many cases against him.

Two Detrimental effects of Second marriage

The first one has been depicted in the above case. Physical and emotional abuse form step parents. But the second one is vital and need to be considered by every parent before he/she opts for a second marriage: “adjustment issues of children”

Age of the child is an important factor affecting children's adjustment. Adolescents have a more difficult time than the younger children, in part because adolescence is a time of developmental changes. The formation of a stepfamily also produces change and may generate added stress. Adolescents may show a reluctance to establish ties as they strive for autonomy and turn toward peers for support. Especially for girls, it may be a difficult time for parental remarriage. Whereas younger children may show some reaction and behavioral changes with a remarriage, once a consistent routine is established adjustment problems typically disappear.

It would be absurd to suggest that no differences exist between these children and children living in first-marriage families. On the other hand, we cannot assume that all children in stepfamilies will have problems. It is safe to say that children may encounter temporary difficulties in making the shift from one family to another; ultimately, most children seem to function and develop normally. Moreover, family relations in any family form are complex with numerous factors affecting a child's well-being. Anyway it is important to rmember than if you are looking for a second marriage with children also to be taken care make sure to do it when the children are younger and if they are older have consensus with the kids and even then it can be a nightmare.

As soon as we received the call, CHILDLINE team investigated the case and necessary action was taken to restore the children back to their homes. It was a clear case of acquiring wealth and property. The land and the house they live in are on the names of the children. The step mom and her family needed to throw them out, to get the riches in their hands.

Home is not always where the heart is — a 17-year-old girl and her 12-year-old sister learnt this heartbreaking lesson after their stepmother came into their lives and showed them the door. With a new chapter about to begin, the children are still terrified by the prospect of returning home. With tears dripping from their cheeks, they could only say, “We don’t want to go back. We hate that place”

Chithra Home

Summer Camp at Sree Chithra

Sree Chithra Home run by the Government of Kerala houses over 250 children. Through the intervention of the Child Rights Commission and the district administration Don Bosco kicked of a Summer Camp for the children of Sree Chitra Home inmates on 6^th of April 2016.  “Mazhavillu (Rainbow) 2016” was inaugurated by the district Collector Shri. Biju Prabhakar IAS. The welcome address was delivered by Smt Aliyamma Varghese, Superintendant of the institution. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Don Bosco for the great opportunity for children to learn life lessons through fun and frolic.

Fr Thomas PD Director, Don Bosco Veedu Society presided over the inaugural ceremony. Shri.  Biju Prabhakar IAS was extremely delighted to notice the number of smiling faces among the young crowd. He also lauded the efforts put forward by the Don Bosco Veedu Society in creating such a perfect ambience for the children towards holistic development. Words of felicitation were delivered by Ashok Kumar, Staff Secretary of Sree Chithra Home and the local councillor of the Corporation.

The Summer Camp has been designed to impart lots of knowledge and value based learning to children which otherwise is often not received by such children.