Keeping Our Children Safe: Schools Lead the Way in Faith Foundation’s “A Safe Child is a Happy Child” Campaign

*Shillong, April 25, 2025* — Meghalaya is grappling with a disturbing rise in child sexual abuse cases, with the state ranking third in the country under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Recent data from the Meghalaya Police reveal that in 2022 alone, 371 cases were reported, accounting for 27.8% of crimes against children. However, experts believe these numbers represent only a fraction of the real picture, with many incidents remaining unreported due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness.

Amid this concerning backdrop, the **Faith Foundation**—Meghalaya’s only child rights organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse for the past 12 years—is leading a crucial awareness drive. The organization has been instrumental in introducing a child sexual abuse prevention model in schools, coupled with a life skills curriculum aimed at equipping children with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves.

Last year, the Faith Foundation launched its first month-long awareness campaign, initially named *‘My Safe Space Campaign’*, which has since evolved into an annual initiative titled *‘Keeping Children Safe’*. The campaign underscores the urgent need to safeguard children and emphasizes the critical role that schools, families, and communities play in fostering safe environments.

**This year’s campaign, themed “A Safe Child is a Happy Child,”** is focusing on schools as key institutions for child safety. Understanding that children spend a significant amount of time in school, the Faith Foundation has introduced the *‘Guardian for Child Safety: Schools Leading the Way’* program. This initiative brings together principals, teachers, and counselors from private schools across Shillong to raise awareness, build capacity, and establish schools as safe spaces.

The campaign features a wide range of interactive and engaging activities:
– A **formal launch event** introducing the campaign’s objectives and highlighting the urgency of addressing child protection issues.
– An **immersive art installation and exhibition**, creatively engaging participants in the subject of child safety.
– A **grassroots comics display** portraying real-life stories and challenges faced by children in unsafe environments.
– A **showcase of Personal Safety Education Program (PSEP) materials**, including comics, workbooks, and games that provide practical tools for schools.

The *‘Guardian for Child Safety’* initiative also aims to foster meaningful relationships between the Foundation and private schools, creating a platform for future collaboration and broader outreach. Two representatives—typically the principal and counselor—from each participating school are invited to join the program and take back actionable knowledge to implement in their institutions.

**The ultimate message is clear**: when children feel safe, they thrive. A secure environment not only prevents harm but also empowers children to learn, play, and grow with confidence. Faith Foundation’s efforts remind us that child protection is not just a duty—it’s a shared responsibility that begins with awareness and action.

As this campaign gains momentum, it brings with it a powerful hope: that by working together, we can create a Meghalaya where every child feels safe, heard, and truly happy.