Monthly Highlights: June 2023

Table of Contents

Awareness Programmes

Title: Protect Children in the Digital World.

Objective: Raise children’s awareness of online safety precautions and potential risks associated with using the internet

Sessions Conducted

Date	Venue	Location	Participants	Observations
26/06/2023	Matara Ginnaliya Maha Vidyalaya	Ginnaliya	93 Students	The students lacked awareness about the causes and consequences of child abuse, including the alarming prevalence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Through discussions with teachers and principals, we uncovered the urgent need for education on this social issue.
26/06/2023	Urubokka National School	Urubokka	220 Students
26/06/2023	Kotapola Divisional Secretariat	Kotapola	45 Government Officials	Government officials emphasized the increasing occurrence of child abuse, particularly in the context of advancing online technologies. They expressed gratitude for the program and showed interest in sharing the acquired knowledge within their communities.
26/06/2023	Kotapola Divisional Council	Kotapola	37 Government Officials
27/06/2023	Beralapanathara National School	Beralapanathara	363 Students	The students’ limited understanding of child abuse and its ramifications became evident during our conversations with teachers and principals. It became clear that online child sexual abuse and exploitation were also prevalent, underscoring the urgency for awareness and preventive measures.
27/06/2023	Katuwana Divisional Council	Katuwana	33 Government officials	Government officials acknowledged the occurrence of child abuse, particularly in relation to the rise of online technologies. They expressed appreciation for the program and expressed a desire to disseminate the information within their respective communities.
28/06/2023	Pasgoda Tea Estate	Pasgoda	26 Employees	A significant number of individuals exhibited a lack of awareness regarding the various forms of abuse, particularly sexual abuse, until we shed light on its severity. We also discussed the prevalence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, along with preventive measures, leading to a greater understanding of the issue.
28/06/2023	Bengamuwa Maha Vidyalaya	Bengamuwa	156 students, teachers, and principals	Our interactions with students, teachers, and principals highlighted a prevailing lack of awareness regarding child abuse and its implications. It became evident that online child sexual abuse and exploitation were significant concerns in their communities.
28/06/2023	Pasgoda Divisional Secretariat	Pasgoda	30 Government officials	Government officials stressed the alarming rate of child abuse incidents, particularly in light of the proliferation of online technologies. They expressed their appreciation for the program and their intention to disseminate the information in their communities
29/06/2023	Samukirana Coop Society	Beralapanathara	90 Coop society staff	We organized a program for the Samukirana coop society staff, who comprised of parents in the village. Many participants admitted to a lack of knowledge regarding the different forms of abuse and exploitation. The seriousness of sexual abuse, concerning their own children, resonated with them. One officer shared examples of child abuse in the area, underscoring its prevalence.
29/06/2023	Ginnaliya Tea Factory	Ginnaliya	29 Employees	We noticed a lack of awareness among many individuals regarding the methods of abuse, specifically focusing on sexual abuse. As we discussed the gravity of the issue, including online child sexual abuse and exploitation, participants began to grasp the importance of preventive measures. Unfortunately, one former factory worker shared incidents of sexually abusing his own 8-year-old child, which were brought to our attention by the factory management.
30/06/2023	New Excellent Institute	Urubokka	40 Government officials	While a general understanding of child abuse existed, there was a clear need for further knowledge on online abuse and safety measures to protect oneself and others.
30/06/2023	Matara Municipal Council	Matara	23	Government officials emphasized the concerning frequency of child abuse incidents, particularly in the context of the growing influence of online technologies. Their appreciation for the program was accompanied by their intention to disseminate this vital information within their communities.