Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 21: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, U T Khader extended a warm invitation to ‘United for Change’ NGO to bring school children for an inspirational visit to Vidhana Soudha, in a awareness drive, successfully conducted at St Ann's High School in Kuntikan.
In a world where the silent struggles of children often go unnoticed, the United for Change NGO in Mangaluru is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the pressing issues of child exposure to pornography, child abuse, and sexual violence.
These harmful experiences can have a lasting and negative impact on a child's development and well-being. United for Change NGO emphasizes the importance of introducing comprehensive child protection and age-appropriate sexual education in schools as crucial tools for prevention and intervention of these issues.
Their first awareness drive, at St Ann's High School in Kuntikan, marked the beginning of their mission to reach out to children and their communities throughout the nation. The gathering of over 300 students was addressed by the chief guest, U T Khader.
His love and affection for children are undeniable, as he ensured his presence at the event despite being preoccupied with official work in Mumbai. Arriving directly from the airport, he addressed the students, teachers and the principal of St Ann's High School. His inspiring speech to the students and his admiration for United for Change NGO's vision in raising awareness about such a crucial issue were greatly appreciated.
U T Khader not only addressed the issue but also motivated the students to pursue careers in public service and leadership to make a significant impact on society. He shared his personal experiences as a student and how his life transformed as he grew up, becoming capable of bringing positive changes to society. He expressed his desire for every student to exceed his achievements and create a lasting impact.
He also extended his support to United for Change NGO in their efforts to address this pressing issue and invited them to bring children to visit Vidhana Soudha for skill development, where he would personally bear all expenses for each student. He emphasized the importance of all children as the future of our nation and acknowledged children and women as born leaders.
U T Khader appreciated the NGO’s chairperson and founder, Delma Coelho, alongside CEO Christon Menezes and director Deekshith V Shetty, for their commitment to this noble cause. Former mayor and current corporator Shashidhar Hegde and corporator Lancelot Pinto of Mangaluru City Corporation also extended their heartfelt wishes and support for the NGO's impactful work.
The event was further honoured by the presence of Sr Maria Aranha, headmistress, and Sr Juliana, correspondent of St Ann's High School, with the session facilitated by clinical psychologists Sindhu K S and Paul Parlees from K S Hegde Medical Academy. Speaking to the founders of United for Change NGO, they expressed their aim to impact over 1000 schools and orphanages in the coming years, working to remove the taboo surrounding discussions of sexual education.
They believe that every student may experience sexual abuse at some point without sharing it, which can leave lasting negative and depressing effects during their formative years.