The International Justice Mission has spent decades fighting against human trafficking but what better way to spread awareness on the issue than to start talking about it as early as possible? Earlier this week, IJM launched a Student Justice Cell (SJC) at the South City International School in Kolkata, possibly the first of its kind in the state.
The Cell is part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Club (AHTC) programme to build safe communities for women and children in vulnerable pockets of the city. The Cell is an initiative under the theme ‘Preventive Crime: Protect Children’ for schools, on online safety and anti-human trafficking efforts at educational and academic centres.
SJC will focus on having an interactive platform, debates, forums on social justice, programs in formal assembly sessions, while observing UN social justice dates and during special projects for community service. “As students, it is our responsibility to participate and become an agent of change. To get maximum impact, Student Justice Cell will launch a signature campaign asking for a safer community for children, “ Mahee Singh, a student from the school said.
“Human trafficking is a complex issue. Children are affected the most. We need to create a support system where victims can be rehabilitated, which requires the joint effort of the government, schools, and NGOs. Timely support by organizations like IJM has helped Kolkata Police to tackle the menace of crimes against children. Mechanisms like Justice Cell will not only help students to come up with strategies, but will also educate them in breaking societal barriers existing in the community,” said Murli Dhar, IPS, Joint Commissioner (Crime), Kolkata Police, who was invited to launch the cell.
South City International School is possibly the only one in the state to launch an endeavour like the Student Justice Cell. “One of the most encouraging stories in these times has been the drastic reduction of crimes against children in the infamous red-light areas of Kolkata. We hope that the SJC will be a platform for students to learn about the various injustices affecting the peers from lesser privileged societies and crimes like online exploitation of children that do not distinguish between the rich and the poor.” said John Bagul, Principal, SCIS.