This story is from May 26, 2016

Now, rickshaw drivers to work with Childline

In an innovative move, the district chapter of Childline has joined with auto rickshaw drivers to form a safety network for children, who go missing.
Now, rickshaw drivers to work with Childline
Thiruvananthapuram: In an innovative move, the district chapter of Childline has joined with auto rickshaw drivers to form a safety network for children, who go missing. On Wednesday, as part of the International Day for Missing Children Observance, the childline conducted an orientation class for auto rickshaw drivers in the city to sensitize them about the seriousness of the issue.
During the programme as many as 60 rickshaw drivers were added to a Whatsapp group named 'Auto Suhruthukkalkoppam' (With Our Auto Friends), in which Childline members and police officers were members.
''Our main aim is to utilize the service of the rickshaw drivers not just in tracking down missing children, but also save children, who are estranged from homes," said Jobi Kondoor, district coordinator at Childline. The idea of bringing in rickshaw drivers in helping Childline was mooted after a six-year-old boy, who went missing from his home in Peroorkada was reunited with his family as a result of the alertness of a driver.
"We sensitized them about the functions of Childline and also told them whom to contact when they spot a child under suspicious circumstances," Jobi said. They were also told to talk to children, who hired their vehicles alone and build a rapport with them. This was because rickshaws were the preferred mode of travel for most runaway kids, he said.
Thampanoor sub inspector S P Prakash, who inaugurated the programme said that auto rickshaw drivers at times proved to be a better surveillance network than the cameras installed in public places by the cops, hence the significance of such an initiative.
"The Whatsapp group will help in prompt sharing of information, which in turn will result in effective intervention from the part of law enforcers," he said.
At present, the network is formed with drivers servicing in Thampanoor area. The network will be expanded gradually by adding drivers from other parts of the city.
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