Koyilandy, 10 gram panchayats to be child-friendly

KOZHIKODE: 10 gram panchayats and Koyilandy municipality will become child-friendly in the district in the first phase of the Child-friendly LSG project. The programme is being implemented with the support of the state government, KILA (Kerala Institute of Local Administration) and UNICEF. The comprehensive programme envisions survival, development, protection and participation of children. The project covers children from the foetal stage to the age of 18.

“The project is being implemented as per the UN convention on the rights of the child. LSGs will have child-friendly amenities and the staff would have a child-friendly approach,” said District panchayat president Babu Parasserry. Thuneri, Kuttyadi, Chorod, Kottoor, Kunnamangalam, Balusserry, Thamarasserry, Unnikulam, Chengottukavu and Kadalundi are the gram panchayats selected for the implementation of the project.

The district programme committee approved the programme at a meeting held a few days back. Currently, staff of selected LSGs is undergoing training at KILA. Meanwhile, the report of the seventh child protection journey conducted by childline and the district legal service authority has been submitted to the district collector.

The trip covered Meppayyur, Nochad, Mavoor, Keezhariyur, Thikkodi, Thurayur and Ulliyeri gram panchayats. During the trip, the team interacted with elected representatives and others on the problems and issues faced by children and how they are being solved. Childline district coordinator M.P Mohammadali said that POCSO classes would be given to all teachers and police officers in the district in the next phase.