SHILLONG:
A book “Children at risk : A study conducted in Shillong Urban Agglomeration” was released on Thursday at Presbyterian Church of India (PCI).
Speaking as chief guest, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo observed that there should be more focus on child care and have more institutions and counseling rather than mere focus on their physical needs.
She encouraged the setting up of children’s clubs and children’s parliament so that a child grows up to be confident.
A study contained in the book conducted by the Reach Shillong Ministries among 457 children (219 females and 238 males) at risk in the Shillong Urban Agglomeration where it was found that 21.4 per cent of the children live only with their mothers and another 8 per cent do not live with either parent.
The 457 children who participated were from 9 localities of SUA namely Iewduh, Madanryting, Mawbah, Mawblei, Mawpat, Nongmensong, Police Bazaar, Polo and Pynthorumkhrah.
The children who participated include those living in street conditions, from urban poor families, migrants-rural/urban interstate, working children, child beggars, school drop-outs and children who have never been enrolled in school.
The study found that a majority (89 per cent) of the children live with minimal material comfort and assets where they live in rented places, mostly shanty in nature.
It also found that close to 10 per cent of the children have started smoking bidi and cigarettes and also chewing tobacco and also 5 per cent of the children have started taking alcohol.
In terms of education, 23 per cent of children are not in school of which there are more males (25.6 per cent) and have dropped out. One third of the parents have never been enrolled in schools. The parents are working in the unorganised sector such as daily wage labour, domestic workers, street vendors, drivers etc.
Most children (82 per cent) share their problems with their mothers followed by siblings (7 per cent) but there are 4 per cent children who do not share their problems with anyone.
There are 15 children who have spoken about being frightened and the main reason is due to bullying by other children and it was found that 15 children have been sexually assaulted (9 females and 6 males).
The study found that the largest number of children engaged in labour is from Nongmensong followed by Mawpat and Iewduh with most children being from 14 years and above.
The main challenges faced by children are alcoholism in the family, bullying, , fear as the home is isolated, fights and quarrels at home, financial problems in the family, loneliness, being an orphan, poverty and school lessons.