The Department of Social Work, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University),  Mangaluru, organized a one-day National Level Seminar METANOIA 2024 on ‘Social Work Response to Child Trafficking’ – on 29th February 2024 in Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Block.

Rev. Fr Edward Thomas, Founder-Director-Board Member, Dream India Network, was the Chief Guest.  Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor in-charge of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & CoE of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Ms Savitha DSouza, Head of the Department of Social Work, Ms Kavya M, Staff Convenor and Dickson M. Jose, Student Coordinator were on the dais. 

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks spoke on childhood and abandoned children who are not fortunate to experience Childhood. He said that the role played by the NGOs in saving abandoned children and looking after them with good care and preparing them to be the responsible citizens of the country was crucial. 

Rev. Fr Edward Thomas in his speech spoke on empathy by giving true examples and reiterated that the people who save abandoned children will be blessed by God. He urged the audience to take care of them and educate them to transform the world into a healthy and peaceful living. He spoke about the basics of child protection like the use of child helpline, JJ Act, JJB, POCSO Act, and CWC. 

This seminar was organized to educate and sensitize the audience on the practice of child trafficking. The seminar also discussed the need for collaboration with social work students on the issue of child trafficking and also making it part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Two sessions were held during the programme. Rev. Fr Edward Thomas was the Resource Person for I session and spoke on the topic ‘Prevention of Child Trafficking - Rejuvenating Existing Mechanism and Searching Alternatives’. Prof. D. Kiran Jeevan, PRO, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru was the Resource Person for II session and spoke on the topic ‘Social Work Strategies in Preventing and Combating Child Trafficking’. 

Coral Jean Rego & Varsha Varghese compered the programme. Ms Kavya M. welcomed the gathering. Dickson M. Jose proposed the vote of thanks. 

The valedictory of METANOIA 2024 was held at 3 p.m. Dr Loveena Lobo, Director, Maffei Block was the Chief Guest. Dr Charles V. Furtado, Director of Administrative Block presided over the programme.