------------------------------------------------- WELCOME TO FRIDAY BALCAO -------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet,
Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 14th November Children's Day will feature the topic, Child Abuse in Goa: need for a citizens response.
As part of a series on public interest issues Friday Balcao will focus on the increase in child abuse cases in Goa and the response of the citizens.
The most recent child abuse cases that have been highlighted are those involving the Govt. Primary School students in Malpem, Sattari Taluka and of migrant children in Mapusa.
The State now has a legislation, The Goa Children's Act 2003 for which the rules have yet to be framed. There has also been a demand for a State Commission for children.
What should be the citizens response to child abuse at home, at school, at work and on the street? Is the apathy of the citizens due to the low level of awareness of children's rights and dignity ?
What are the inadequacies of our law enforcing agencies, our educational institutions, our NGO's, our medical system, and also the media in dealing with child abuse cases ? Are religious leaders doing enough to promote sensitivity and respect for children's rights ? Is the easy access to pornographic sites and chat rooms on the Internet fueling child abuse cases?
What lessons have been learnt from the Freddy Peats case and other cases registered in various parts of Goa ? Are the Police stations adequately staffed and equipped to handle child abuse cases?
Is the Education system contributing positively to reduce such crimes ? Are School Managements, Principals and teachers sensitized enough about child abuse ? What role can citizens play as members of their respective Parents-Teachers Association (PTA's) ?
The Balcao discussion will cover these various questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens.
Those citizens wanting to contribute to the discussion at Friday Balcao are urged to attend the event while those who cannot attend the event may send their views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public.
Those citizens who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.80/- to cover printing and mailing costs.
Interested citizens wanting more information on Friday Balcao can phone on 2252660
best wishes,
Roland Martins
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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