GCC Conducts Safety Audits and Child Protection Awareness Programmes in Chennai Schools

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has conducted safety audits and child protection awareness programmes across its schools to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for students, with a special focus on adolescent girls.

The initiative is being implemented by the Corporation`s Gender and Policy Lab (GPL) in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Department of Child Welfare.

As part of the initiative, safety audits are being carried out in all GCC schools to assess classrooms, toilet facilities, lighting, accessibility, and other infrastructure related to student safety. Officials have also interacted with girl students to better understand the safety concerns and challenges they face both within and outside school campuses.

The feedback collected, along with the findings from the safety audits, will be used to develop evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving school safety and strengthening gender-responsive planning, officials said.

The programme also identifies eligible students from single-parent families for enrolment under the Single Child Sponsorship Programme, ensuring they receive appropriate support.

In addition, child protection pamphlets have been distributed to students and displayed across school premises to raise awareness about child safety, protection, and available support services.