Awareness Program on Child Marriage, Sexual Violence, and Cybercrime Organized for School Students in Silichong

Silichong, Sankhuwasabha — To safeguard adolescents from emerging social and digital threats, a comprehensive awareness program focusing on the prevention of child marriage, sexual violence, and cybercrime was conducted on Poush 24, 2080 Hosted at Sagarmatha Secondary School in Ward No. 3, Silichong Rural Municipality, the initiative reached 368 secondary and higher-secondary students (Classes 7 to 12) brought together from three local schools in the surrounding area.

Focus Areas & Educational Impact

With the rapid increase in digital connectivity across rural communities, young students face evolving social risks alongside traditional challenges. The session was designed to equip youth with critical knowledge to protect themselves and support their peers.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Preventing Child Marriage & Exploitation: Highlighting the legal, physical, and socio-economic consequences of early marriage, empowering students to recognize and report early marriage attempts.
  • Combating Sexual Violence & Harassment: Educating students on personal safety boundaries, consent, self-protection, and the reporting mechanisms available for victims.
  • Understanding Cybercrime & Digital Safety: Demonstrating how perpetrators target children online through grooming, social media exploitation, and cyberbullying—along with practical steps for safe internet use.

Active Participation & Inclusivity

The interactive session saw strong, active engagement from young women and men alike. Out of the 368 beneficiaries, 203 were girls and 165 were boys, demonstrating an inclusive community-wide effort to break silences surrounding sensitive topics like abuse and digital safety.

By bringing these vital discussions into rural classrooms, SODEC and local partners continue to build safer environments and equip the next generation with the tools needed to navigate both physical and digital spaces safely.