Children of India Foundation’s battle against child sexual abuse

A silent battle is being waged by Children of India Foundation against the centuries-old but banned Devadasi practice. This practice started as a normal and non-dangerous practice but devolved into a breeding ground for the trafficking of young girls into prostitution, over time. Thangaperumal Ponpandi, the visionary founder of Children of India Foundation, sheds light on the unimaginable suffering endured by these girls, who are not only robbed of their childhood but are also subjected to a life of perpetual exploitation, stigma and child sexual abuse.

The exploitation of children

Deeply entrenched in certain communities, especially in remote villages, child sexual abuse among vulnerable children begins at a prepubescent age. Shockingly, these girls are sold into prostitution by their own mothers, perpetuating a vicious cycle of abuse that spans generations. Thangaperumal Ponpandi emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “It is a vicious cycle where mothers who were once pushed into the ancient and banned system now do the same with their children, so the earnings can continue.”

Despite being banned, the system continues to wreak havoc, robbing innocent girls of their dignity and future. The victims of child sexual abuse are not only forced into a life of sexual exploitation but also face complete ostracization from society. Children who are victims of the banned practice often drop out of school immediately after dedication, leaving them without education or skills to earn a livelihood.

Children of India Foundation’s intervention: identifying and rescuing Devdasi families

Children of India Foundation operates across several remote villages, diligently working to identify and intervene before girls are dedicated to the banned practice and made into victims of child sexual abuse. The organization employs the Kishori Clubs, which act as a preventive measure, identifying vulnerable girls and families susceptible to the clutches of this exploitative system. Thangaperumal Ponpandi emphasizes the importance of proactive intervention, stating, “We have identified at least 8 districts where this practice is rampant.”

Rescuing girls who have already become victims of child sexual abuse is a critical aspect of Children of India Foundation’s mission. The NGO goes beyond mere rescue efforts, providing comprehensive support that includes education, skill training and job placement. The founder of the NGO proudly shares, “To date, we have placed over 700 girls in jobs and have brought over 1,500 girls back to school.” The dedication to rebuilding these young lives is evident in Children of India Foundation’s holistic approach, offering whatever is necessary for the girls to embark on a fresh start. To support Children of India Foundation, you can donate here.

Empowering survivors: education, skill training and jobs

The scale of the banned exploitative practice of child sexual abuse is immense, requiring substantial resources to tackle the issue effectively. Children of India Foundation’s multifaceted approach not only focuses on rescuing girls but also on empowering survivors to break free from the shackles of poverty and exploitation. Education plays a pivotal role in reversing the effects of child sexual abuse, and Children of India Foundation ensures that rescued girls are provided with the necessary support to resume their studies.

In addition to education, skill training is a key component of Children of India Foundation’s strategy. By equipping these survivors with practical skills, the NGO ensures that they have the means to earn a livelihood independently. This empowerment not only breaks the cycle of poverty but also reduces the risk of these girls falling prey to trafficking and child sexual abuse in the future.

Jobs are a lifeline for the survivors, offering financial independence and a chance to rebuild their lives. Children of India Foundation’s commitment to placing over 700 girls in jobs underscores the organization’s dedication to creating sustainable change. By providing survivors of child sexual abuse with employment opportunities, Children of India Foundation not only rescues them from the clutches of exploitation but also ensures they have the tools to shape their own destiny.

Challenges and the need for collective action

Child sexual abuse is deeply entrenched in certain communities, making the battle against it an uphill struggle. Thangaperumal Ponpandi acknowledges the enormity of the challenge, stating, “We need to come together and stand by the victims who are suffering each day for no fault of theirs.” The fight against this exploitative and banned practice requires collective action, involving not only NGOs like Children of India Foundation but also communities, policymakers and the public at large to defeat child sexual abuse.

Raising awareness about child sexual abuse and its devastating consequences is crucial for garnering support. Children of India Foundation’s founder urges society to imagine the suffering of these young girls, who are betrayed by their own families and thrust into a life of exploitation. It is a call to action, imploring individuals and organizations to join hands in the battle against the heinous practice of child sexual abuse.

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Children of India Foundation’s relentless pursuit to end child sexual abuse is a source of hope in the fight against deep-rooted practices that perpetuate human trafficking and exploitation. Thangaperumal Ponpandi’s vision and the organization’s impactful interventions have not only rescued countless girls but have also provided them with the tools to reclaim their lives.

As we reflect on the magnitude of the impact of child sexual abuse, it becomes evident that breaking the cycle of abuse requires sustained efforts and collaboration. The stories of resilience emerging from Children of India Foundation’s initiatives remind us that change is possible, and through collective action, we can rescue the innocent and restore hope to those who have been robbed of it. To support Children of India Foundation, you can donate here.

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