Grooming & Entrapment
Both Nikhilbhai and Jayantbhai have tried their best to encourage the Youth to participate in activities. They have both made pleas to both youths and parents to come forward and take active part, but so far with little response it has left them disappointed. We request parents and youngsters to come along, participate and have fun.
The early signs are that the child is disruptive; their behaviour changes at home and they become aggressive when approached They use mobile phones and computers to communicate; texts, WhatsApp, Instagram, phone calls, Facebook, etc. Some miss their school, college, university, work etc. Others may start taking drugs, drinking alcohol, which are ideal opportunities for the child to be groomed. Once they are entrapped it can lead to secretively stealing money from home, giving access to the family homes and blackmail.
Our Seniors as usual are thriving in our organisation and they are the backbone of our society, without whom I do not think we would exist today. They have continued monthly gatherings and also arranged a trip to Brighton. I really thank them from the bottom of my heart.
It was a huge disappointment to see only 5 participants from Birmingham in this year’ s Sports Day. We also saw numbers from all other branches dwindling too. Some 10- 15 years ago we had over 600 participants and over 300 spectators. Maybe times have changed, but I believe it is us who have changed the time, tradition and interest in our Samaj and Sports. It appears that laziness and a‘ can’ t be bothered attitude’ have deterred many from taking part. There are other reasons such as being‘ very busy at work’. Of course, work is the foremost priority in order to earn money, survive and for leisure, but we should not forget life after work too with our family and the wider family, one of which is our Samaj.
Our on-going building renovation work continues. Painting outside of the building and inside the hall way has been completed. Other much needed refurbishments are still to be done, but this requires funds to tackle the reminder of the renovations. We are hoping that next year we can refurbish the toilets, review the rising damp issues in the building and other works that need urgent attention. We need financial assistance from our members and hence funds raised through various events will be used for renovation. Don’ t forget we are a Charity too! Hence consider Gift Aid if you are a tax payer.
Note, we are continuing to work with local councillors and MPs to secure the land across the road and also to seek funding to renovate our building.
Grooming & Entrapment
National Hindu Welfare Support( NHWS) and its team presented a seminar on‘ Grooming & Entrapment’ at the Shree Prajapati Association Centre in Birmingham on Saturday 6th August 2016. The seminar was very informative and provided information on how young girls / boys and even adults are groomed and entrapped. Grooming starts with the offender targeting and profiling suitable girls / boys to be exploited or converted. Over time the girls / boys trust may be gained by attention, flattery and gifts. The intention is to draw the girl in more deeply, by making her feel special and then to isolate her from friends and family. Groomers often seek out girls using social media. Once the relationship is sexualised the offender will take advantage by threats, blackmail and exposure unless demands are fulfilled. Once the offender gains control, the girl is subject to further manipulation, isolation and destitution, with little or no help.
I understand that we all have a busy life but I am confident that we can spare at least an hour or two a month to do Samaj Sewa. Please come forward, help your community, and be proud of our Prajapati Samaj and Culture.
Finally, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Management Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their help, support and contribution throughout the year and wish you all a very Happy Diwali and a Nutan Varsh Na Abhinandan.
Vipul Harkishanbhai Mistry President 2015 / 2016
Parents, families, and communities must be aware and not sweep these issues under the carpet and stop a culture of silence. Regularly speak to your children, and be aware of what they are up to. Ask them questions about their day at school / college. It is up to parents, families, communities to ensure that our children are aware of these issues. Hindu Sewak, awake and arise to do Raksha- protect, nurture and preserve, our girls / boys, families, communities and Dharma.
NHWS was established on‘ Raksha Bandhan’ 2015. All members on the team are volunteers from the Hindu faith. NHWS is a voluntary organisation which works with communities, families and girls / boys to raise awareness about grooming and provides assistance and support. They have a 24 hour helpline( 0207 341 6279), where they can be contacted concerning issues with grooming and conversions. They provide also advice, assistance and a counselling service.
Top to bottom: Sports Day Participants 2016, Bike Ride / Walk
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