What keeps a child safe in a community where risks like dropping out of school and child marriage loom large? The Safety Net.
In Tulsi Nagar, this powerful concept was brought to life during a recent session in the Parent Groups.
This participatory session, attended by 15 mothers, focused on building a shared understanding of responsibility for the safety and well-being of every child in the community, not just for one’s own child.
The Net That Holds Us Together
To kick off the session, participants were engaged in a simple yet powerful activity. The women stood together to form a human “safety net,” symbolizing the support system that surrounds children. Gradually, one woman was asked to step out of the net. Then another. And another. With each departure, the net weakened — until it eventually broke.
The visual metaphor landed with impact.
“This safety net isn’t just for your child. It’s for all children in the community,” Ms. Aisha Shameen, Training Officer emphasized.
The activity sparked meaningful reflection. The mothers realized that when even one member of the community disengages — whether out of fear, indifference, or lack of awareness — the entire safety structure can collapse, leaving children vulnerable.
Mothers as Agents of Change
By the end of the session, the 15 mothers were no longer just participants — they had emerged as guardians of the safety net. With greater clarity about their role and a deeper understanding of the many risks children face. They left feeling equipped to take action, look out for one another, and speak up when they see warning signs.
