'€œChildren are the world'€ because the future of this world depends on our youth. The well being of the universe depends on how well our children are cared for.

The strength, trust, faith and love that children receive in their childhood prepare them to build a happy and healthy world once they grow up. They give back to the world what they take from the world as children.  

Children are the living messages that we send to a time we will not see.

I am writing in response to an article published on June 16 in The Jakarta Post entitled '€œJIS disturbed and shocked by sudden police raid'€.

Teachers and doctors are often compared to God. So, whenever a disturbing incident takes place in the institutions related to these professions, situations grow out of proportion and garner lots of attention.

Today, we are not part of a dogmatic society. These days, people are more aware, they reason and raise their voice if need be. One cannot do wrong and get away with it easily as people are concerned and the media is remarkably active.

Parents, sometimes, do ignore academic-related issues to some extent but when it comes to child abuse, they cannot be magnanimous. For the parents of the 6-year-old victim, this wound will always remain open and in no way can it be considered a fleeting pain.

Such incidents will never be digested with ease as school is considered a safe place for children.

Studies have shown that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused prior to age 18, and it is the affable nature of children that makes them easy prey. Hence, a high level of vigilance is required in institutions where these innocent children grow and dream.

This incident has put other schools on high alert, with heads of schools instructing their staff and students to remain vigilant. Schools should always take stern action against people who try to play with the esteem and dignity of the institution.

A healthy and happy environment is necessary for the proper growth of children, and I hope that as adults we can provide them with that.

In closing, I would like to quote Nelson Mandela; '€œSafety and security don'€™t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment . We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free from violence and fear.'€

Indu Nandal
Purwakarta, West Java

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