Kultali : In the remote Sundarbans region of West Bengal, where child
drowning claims three young lives every day, a groundbreaking initiative called
KAVACH is providing a beacon of hope. Based on World Health Organization (WHO)
recommendations for child drowning prevention, KAVACH is demonstrating
promising results in its first year of pilot implementation. Established by the
Child in Need Institute (CINI) in association with The George Institute for
Global Health (TGI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), KAVACH
offers safe spaces for children under five, protecting them from the
ever-present dangers of water bodies in this delta region.
Today, KAVACH celebrates its first
anniversary with the Panchayat, coinciding with Children's Day and marking a
significant milestone in CINI's 50-year journey of working with children. The
anniversary celebration was a vibrant affair, filled with songs, rhymes, and
fun activities for children, mothers, and caregivers.
Speaking at
the event, Sujoy Roy, National Advocacy Officer of CINI, emphasized the immense
socio-economic cost of losing a child. "The loss of a child is
immeasurable," he stated. "But beyond the emotional toll, there's a
significant economic impact on families and communities. KAVACH demonstrates
how a minimal investment can yield a huge impact, offering a low-cost solution
to save young lives and safeguard our precious human resources." He added,
"In the Kavach Centre, every day is Children's Day." This initiative
stands alone in India as a shining example of implementing WHO recommendations
to combat the pervasive issue of child drowning.
What makes KAVACH truly unique is its focus
on water safety education. These two centers in Kultali are the only ones of
their kind in all of India, teaching young children essential skills to prevent
drowning. And the results speak for themselves: in the past year, there hasn't
been a single injury at either center.
For young children like three-year-old
Jayashri, whose migrant family lives near a pond, KAVACH provides a safe haven
where she can learn, play, and grow. "Before KAVACH, I was constantly
worried about Jayashri," says her mother, Sonamoni. "Now, I know she
is safe and cared for while I am at work."
The event also highlighted the dedication of
the "Kavach Mothers," local women employed as caregivers who play a
crucial role in ensuring the children's safety. This initiative has become a
shining example of women's empowerment, allowing them to earn, learn, and
disseminate vital water safety knowledge within their communities. Their
commitment to the program was recognized with tokens of appreciation.
KAVACH is a testament to the power of
collaboration. Working closely with the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) and
the Health department, with strong support from the Block Development Officer
(BDO) of Kultali, the program exemplifies the impact of converging efforts to
address critical community needs.
Looking ahead, CINI aims to expand KAVACH by
integrating it into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), ensuring its
long-term sustainability and impact, contributing to the development of
child-friendly villages. By working with local authorities and communities,
KAVACH can serve as a model for child drowning prevention across India and
beyond as a strategy to create a child-friendly society. Join us in supporting
KAVACH and building a safer future for all children.
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