Ashadeep Empowers 600 Students with POCSO and Cyber Security Awareness Training
ANAND, GUJARAT — On September 26, 2026, Ashadeep Human Development Centre conducted a comprehensive legal awareness and training program focused on the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and cyber security at St. Xavier’s High School, Gamdi. The initiative successfully reached over 500 students and teaching staff, equipping them with critical knowledge regarding child safety, legal rights, and online protection.
The program was organized under the guidance of Father Paul D'Souza, Director of Ashadeep, and led by Program Director Ankit Jadav alongside paralegal worker Mukeshbhai from legal team. Following a warm welcome by St. Xavier's Principal Father Noel, Father Sanjay, and the school faculty, the Ashadeep team initiated the session with a dynamic presentation on digital safety. Students were educated on the realities of cybercrime, including online fraud, the risks of interacting with strangers on the internet, and the legal consequences of creating fake social media accounts.
The core of the training focused on demystifying the POCSO Act of 2012. Legal expert Mukeshbhai broke down vital legal provisions into simple, relatable examples. Students received clear guidance on:
Differentiating between safe and unsafe touches.
Understanding personal boundaries and the importance of personal safety.
The absolute right to clearly say “No” in uncomfortable situations.
The necessity of speaking up and reporting inappropriate incidents to a trusted parent, teacher, or guardian.
Avoiding the sharing of personal information with strangers online.
A dedicated segment was also held for the school's teaching staff, providing them with essential tools to handle student disclosures. Teachers were guided on how to listen to children's complaints with profound sensitivity, avoid placing blame on the child, and understand their mandatory reporting responsibilities under the POCSO Act.
The event concluded with a highly interactive Q&A session. Demonstrating the immediate impact of the training, numerous students approached the Ashadeep team personally after the program to ask specific questions, showing a strong eagerness to learn and a heightened sense of awareness.
By reinforcing the core message of “Safe Child – Safe School – Safe Society,” the training highlighted that child safety is a collective responsibility shared by families, schools, and the broader community. Ashadeep will continue to maintain regular follow-ups with the school’s administration to provide ongoing legal guidance and support whenever needed.
