Negombo Zone marks "Month of Securing Schoolchildren's Lives"
In keeping with the Education Ministry's directive to all Provincial Directors of Education, the Negombo Zone initiated steps to mark ‘Month of Securing Schoolchildren’s Lives’. According to the Circular, government school principals were directed to form committees on Drug Prevention & Promoting Hygiene. The Negombo Education Zone along with other resourceful organizations such as PEACE (Protecting Environment And Children Everywhere) and the Police Dept is working out a month-long programme.
Negombo/Kudapaduwa K. Vidyalaya surrounded by tourist resorts and hotels, is home to about 380 schoolchildren from families faced with a multitude of social problems caused not only by the tourist industry, but by their family background, was among the schools which organised a programme.
The school organised a Nutritious Food Campaign followed by a Speech and Discussion on Child Abuse by the Negombo Police.
In her speech, WPS W. Hassima, advised by HQI Negombo Police, CI Saman Thilak Welivita, pointed out that, it is purely
The Negombo Education Zone along with other resourceful organizations such as PEACE (Protecting Environment And Children Everywhere) and the Police Dept is working out a month-long programme.
parents' negligence of children that exposes children to various types of child abuse. "Parents should be enlightened first. They are always thinking of how they could pay off their loans. Not about their children," she said.
Acting Principal Y, Samarakoone said "Progarammes of this nature are indeed very useful to these children, as they have no escape from distractions harmful to their normal behavioural patterns."
Head Prefect W. Lakmali Imeshika and Deputy Head Prefect M. Sudhari Dilrukshi also expressed their views. Lakmali said, "Police officers come and educate us on many harmful things that ruin our lives, and show how we could avoid such things." Prior to this a drama on Nuitritious food was staged.
The other school that organised such programmes was Negombo/ Dalupotha Maha Vidyalaya. Principal W.A.M. Fernando said, "This month-long programme initiated by the Education Ministry is commendable. It is very useful to our children. Police officers are very cooperative with us. We too are keeping a vigilant eye on these children. Once we noticed unusual behaviour among some Grade 6 children going to the toilet. On questioning in a friendly way, we found they were going inside and inhaling drugs."