New Delhi: CHETNA, along with over 300 street connected children celebrated Police Week with support from Delhi Police in various areas of Delhi. Street and working children visited and participateds in various activities at 12 police stations- Kirti Nagar, Khayala, Punjabi Bagh, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Keshav Puram, Sunlight Colony, Defence Colony, GRP Old Delhi, GRP Nizamudin, Lodhi Colony and Badarpur.
Child friendly protection walls were painted in Sarojini Nagar and Sunlight Colony Police Stations by thirty children, asserting their rights. In GRP Nizamudin, children living at and around the railway platform who visit CHETNA's substance harm reduction performed street plays and dances.
Art competition was held at Lajpat Nagar Police Station on 20th February, during which children made drawings on child friendly police and bagged awards from the police. Kalpana, a 12 year old former child labour who now goes to school from West Delhi who interacted with an SHO said, "today we got to know how we can report to police. We went around the police station and saw various rooms for different purposes." 15 year old Vikram living at a street location who picks rags for a living painted a wall at a police station, said "I spent an entire day here painting a wall. I don't feel as scared of the police anymore. We had a lot of fun."
Police officials motivated children at all locations, encouraging them to grow up as responsible and dedicated individuals. Praveen Kumar, SHO of GRP Nizamudin said, 'we are happy to see these children growing up through constructive engagements despite the difficult circumstances they live in. We are happy to assist them in every way we can."
"Every year we try to create a connect between children and Delhi Police. This year, the participation from children and cooperation of police was unprecedented. This year, more than 300 children understood how Delhi Police can help them in their protection." said Sanjay Gupta, director, CHETNA NGO
