Punya is a final year B.Sc. Mathematics student at Malabar Christian College, Calicut, Punya strongly upholds the idea of 'humanity above everything'. She values being kind, not just to the people around but also to the environment surrounding us and is an advocate for ecologically sustainable development. Her experience as an active NCC Cadet affirms her belief that Unity and Discipline are essential for today's youth for them to evolve as a socially committed, opinionated and politically aware generation for tomorrow. Punya is involved in coordinating and communicating awareness programs promoting eco-friendly activities and volunteering in projects which involve the upliftment of weaker sections of our society.
SOCIAL ISSUE
Traumatic experiences can initiate strong emotions and physical reactions that can persist long after the event. These reactions often interfere with the child’s ability to function and interact with others and hence, his/ her daily activities.
Experiences of racism and discrimination can increase a child’s risk for traumatic stress symptoms.
When love and affection along with acceptance are scarce, it leads to starvation and under-nourishment of one’s consciousness. Adoption laws in India, understandably, provide a stringent procedure, whereas the red-tapism involved in adopting a child is time-consuming and tedious. This in turn add to the problem of overcrowding in institutions.
Without quality education, children will face a future of thwarted ambitions and broken dreams. Some out of anger and frustration may also turn to extremism and violence.
There are not enough homes for sibling groups. Also, the majority of couples prefer children below 5 years of age during adoption.
Another challenge is finding homes for older children. This is especially acute for those who age out of the system, usually at age 18.
A feeling of home is never inculcated into the children when there is a constant shift between shelter homes. Such a lifestyle leads to them not finding rhythm or stability.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Establishing a home with 8 children and making them feel seen and heard by a caring adult will put the child at ease. Essence of family along with proper counseling need to be provided to conquer their insecurities.
Inculcating a sense of social confidence and personal efficacy by reintroducing the children to our redefined concept of family. Studies have proven that families help in bringing down emotional trauma and lessen anxiety, especially for kids who were exposed to the dark side of society.
A feeling of togetherness and wellbeing will be extended by the family formed in foster care. The children will never be allowed to feel lonely and the sense of being in an institute will never breach the child’s mind.
Understanding an individual child’s skill set and talents and helping to develop them further by providing guidance for choosing the right path is needed. Personal mentors for each child will help them solve their academic and emotional problems.
Giving preference to adopt siblings, which will make it easier for children to better settle down. The idea is to select children of varying ages (6-17) to create a sense of harmony and responsibility. The children would be selected in stages of a maximum of two members, to ensure that each child is settling in well and gradually increase the total count to 8
A provision for aftercare settlement. The children will have their right to choose once they get financially independent or reach post adolescence.
Children will be given ample time to process and grieve the relationships they’ve lost before and not be forced to accept their new caregivers immediately. Care will be taken that shifts will not be necessary for the future as the main focus is on creating a family life within the unit.
CONCERNS
Our India is home to 30 million abandoned children, a terrifying fact from which we can never avert our eyes. With our growing population, poverty and self regarding mentality, the number of children without family are on increase every year. We have a huge role to play in molding our country's future, which largely rests on the shoulders of this children. Domestic violence and child abuse are on huge rise which has a direct link with primary unit of the society- a family. This initiative is an attempt to amplify the importance of parallel families. More than a project this is a social experiment to make corrections in the existing system. Living and learning in a caring and loving atmosphere of a family , children will be raised to become good citizens who imbibe values of mutual respect, empathy and kindness towards the fellow being. These values based on love and nourishment will enable them to become highly empathetic citizens of tomorrow. I also aspire for them to someday make a difference by giving back to society. This is an opportunity for the youth to be part of the movement to utilize their power and strength to ensure the importance of respecting and protecting child rights.
PROJECT: Rise Up Home
DESCRIPTION:
Rise Up Home is a non-institutional home for children deprived of family environment till they are independent on their own.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
A home (RUH) that assures educational, emotional, societal and psychological help for the children that will enable them to chase their dreams.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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