Mumbai: Violence Free Families Day creates awareness on Human Trafficking

By Loraine DSouza Navi Mumbai
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 22 Nov 2014: All the parishes and schools of Mumbai gathered at Sacred Heart School Hall, Santacruz, here recently, to celebrate Violence Free Families Day.

 

The program began with a prayer service which included a song and dance by school children.  This was followed by an informative talk and presentation by Advocates Cassandra Fernandes and Juanita Britto on Human Trafficking, and screening of a documentary on the same created by the United Nations Organization (UNO) showing examples from India. It was shocking to see how many women and children were unknowingly roped into this big business and then abducted, molested and tortured.

 

 

The children actively participated in the discussions and the session was interactive.

 

Bp Agnelo Gracious was the chief guest of the occasion, released a book on ‘Health of the Girl Child’ compiled by Sr Natty and Sharon of Health Promotion Trust of the Archdiocese of Bombay.   This creation was the brain child of Fr Rocky Banz.

 

Next the High on Life for Boys and Beautiful Women for Girls programme was introduced.  This talk and video presentation is made in all schools of Mumbai to create awareness on children and instill in them Values for Life.  In spite of the holidays being on, around 300 children attended along with their parents and teachers. The best boys and girls selected by their teachers were awarded certificates by Bp Agnelo Gracias.  Everyone pledged to stand up against violence in any form and take all precautions for their safety. It was a morning well spent and educative too.