Drama competition creates awareness on child abuse in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur, in collaboration with the Art and Literary Club of Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, organised an inter-departmental drama competition on Wednesday at Paul Bernick Auditorium Hall.

The theme of the competition was ‘Child abuse’, drawing more than 380 participants.

According to a press release, during the event, Carol Lotha, project coordinator, delivered the keynote address. She emphasised the concept of the ‘child-friendly cities’ initiative implemented by the ANMA Integrated Development Association and highlighted the objectives of Child Friendly Dimapur.

She highlighted the strategies employed by AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur and its activities aimed at creating a child-friendly city. While addressing the participants, she enlightened them on the importance of raising awareness through creative youth activities in various localities and institutions.

She lamented child abuse cases in Nagaland and pointed out their detrimental effects on the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of children. Lotha encouraged the participants to utilise their talents and capabilities to advocate for children’s rights.

She outlined three simple measures to prevent child abuse in cities: acquiring knowledge and staying informed, getting involved in bringing about change, and educating people on child rights.

The competition was judged by a panel comprising Rev. Fr. Tom Kartik, SDB, a playwright and director, Gaisanglung Kamei, civil society mobilisation officer at AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur, and Sheli T Assumi, NAAC assistant coordinator at Salesian College of Higher Education.

The English department emerged as the winner of the competition, with the Sociology department finishing second and the History department finishing third.