“Safety is not just protection, it is awareness.” And for children, awareness can truly change everything. Yet, many children are unaware of what safety truly means. Keeping this in mind, on 22nd November 2025, La Forêt Education Charitable Trust organised a POCSO Act Awareness Workshop at its centre, for VISAMO Kids Foundation. The session was conducted for the young minds aged 10–18, to educate them about their rights under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Our goal was to transform the POSCO Act from a complex legal document into an easy session where children can understand their rights and safety. Because when children are aware, they are not just informed, they are protected.
Event Overview & Participation
The workshop saw active participation from nearly 50 bright children along with staff members who support them daily. We weren’t alone in this mission; we invited Manish Gupta and Bela Gupta from Buddhi World as our lead resource persons. Their presence ensured that the message was delivered with the right balance of expertise and heart. Leaders from La Forêt Education Charitable Trust, including the Founder, CEO, and Director, were also present. Their involvement reflected the seriousness of the initiative and our strong commitment to the cause. It also reminded everyone that child safety is a shared responsibility, not just an individual concern.
Workshop Sessions & Learning Modules
We knew that talking about safety shouldn’t feel like a boring lecture, so we started with a film screening. CHILDLINE 1098 awareness film, “Komal – Child Sexual Abuse, Report & Prevention” helped children connect with the topic in a simple and relatable way. From there, the session unfolded into a heart-to-heart conversation focused on practical recognition. We talked about the crucial difference between a “safe” and “unsafe” touch, personal boundaries and guided them on how to recognise inappropriate behaviour. They were also encouraged to identify trusted adults and understand where to seek help.
After the awareness comes the action part. So, we placed a strong focus on advocacy and reporting. Children were introduced to support systems like the Child Helpline 1098 and the NCPCR platform and how to use them to report an abuse.
What made the session meaningful was the interaction. Children asked questions, shared thoughts, and participated in scenarios. And because the topic is sensitive, everything was explained gently and in an age-appropriate manner so that children feel comfortable.
Community Sensitization & Safe Environment
Safety isn’t just about what the children know; it’s about how we can create a space where they can open up and share. Therefore, one of the major objectives was community sensitization. Our staff from both La Forêt and VISAMO participated actively to reinforce the importance of awareness and their legal responsibility for mandatory reporting. A short refreshment break allowed children to reflect, relax, and open up more comfortably. It helped create a unique bond of trust between the children and the facilitators, making it easier for them to express themselves. It proved that when we create a safe and open environment, children feel safe enough to share their thoughts.
Outcomes & Measurable Impact
By the end of the day, the impact was visible. You could see it in the way the students spoke with more conviction. We saw everyone leave with a much clearer understanding of their rights. But what was truly surprising and heartwarming was that several students showed their interest in taking the awareness forward and helping others by volunteering.
This shows their confidence to speak up and shift from learning to action. At the same time, staff members gained clarity about their safeguarding roles and creating a safe environment. But the biggest takeaway was the collective promise we made, a promise of building a more aware and protective community. Because when we educate children, we empower them to protect themselves and others around them.
