These principles have been well applied in the past 7 years of Childline 1098 Caritas Goa’s existence. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a child being happy, safe and secure; Child line 1098 makes sure to reach out as far as possible to help all the children till the age of 18, in Goa.
Being the daughter of an enthusiastic father who was always ready to reach out to people in need, Suzanna D’ Souza had been inspired to help out the needy in the society. Never did she know that training in social work was available too and thus, as a young college student she helped out in many social programmes, church activities and also joined the NSS camp. It was in 2011 that she took over childline 1098 which was previously managed by Don Bosco, Panjim.
She became the main co-ordinator and works in collaboration with the main office in Mumbai.
Today, Suzanna works with 6 team members who are involved in different ways of reaching out to troubled children. Shocking stories and cases of little children have made them drown in blues. She trembled while talking of the cases that come in. There are cases where children have run away from their homes and childline 1098 have tried to find them then provide them with counselling. Cases involved in crime go straight to the police and investigation begins, but full financial support is given to the family from funds coming from the main office along with donations made.
The main reasons behind these problems are due to breakup in families and alcoholic parents that make children suffer in turn. Suzanna states, “It’s not that Goa has poverty, but it is the lack of concern that parents show towards their children… leading them to a distressed life.”
She brought to face a 11-year-old rape victim; immediate assistance was provided by their organization, while a complaint was filed immediately and within no time the accused was sentenced. Likewise, there are many such cases. At least 2 cases come in everyday. They also have counselling sessions for children where a trained professional takes over. Medical and related cases have been their recent reach outs helping the families financially.
Last year, a medical case came in where a child was born with the urethra and anus blocked. “It was a very painful sight to see the parents give up hope, besides they were financially weak. We told them not to give up and that we
would give them all the support needed,” said Suzanna. Funds were raised through different campaigns and finally the child was admitted to GMC. Funds also came in from the main office in Mumbai.
Childline Caritas Goa not only helps out in these kinds of situations but they also have workshops and lectures at different public associations like schools, colleges, churches, hotels etc. The lectures involve child protection, emergency and promotion of child line 1098. Since not many people are aware of childline 1098, Suzanna and her team spread the awareness of it and also initiated test calling to prove it to the public that the number is secure and guaranteed.
When 1098 is dialled, the call is received at a call centre in Mumbai and then forwarded to the Childline Caritas Goa office.
“There is a guarantee of no delays. Immediate action is taken when there is a problem. If we cannot reach the location in time, we call the local district police to reach out,” said a confident Suzanna. She said they have been working through many cases and there was never a complaint about their association or a delay.
One of the most common problems faced in India is in the slum areas and with the beggars! Recent status of Goa says that it is crowded with beggars despite of it being a tourist spot.
Foreigners coming to Goa are more often stumbled upon by beggars. The 1098 team has recently been working with this issue and no positive response has come in so far. The team is trying to convince the beggars to make a good living wherein their child/children would get a good home and shelter. Suzanna explains that even if they tried putting these children roaming with their mothers in ‘Apna Ghar’ or other orphanages it would be of no use, because their mothers will not stop the practice of “using” their children. “We can’t take the child away when the mother herself promotes such things!” Suzanna exclaimed in despair. The government too does not care about this because the child is already with the mother. They are trying to find out ways to solve this menace and someday hope to find a solution.
Suzanna and her team look forward to the society at large and urge them for help. Besides, Childline 1098 is always available and in favour of those innocent troubled children. Just a dial of four digits and a click can save many children from facing terrible problems. ‘1098’ only needs us to come forward and ask help while rest will fall in line when they open the door for us.
