Protect Our Children Campaign

The Protect Our Children Campaign addresses the alarming increase in childhood diseases linked to the surge in synthetic pesticide use in the past few decades. With global pesticide consumption now at 2.3 million tonnes annually, 50 times more than in 1950, children are exposed to these toxic chemicals in various settings, including homes, schools, and public places. The campaign emphasizes the vulnerability of children to such exposure due to their higher rates of breathing, eating, and drinking relative to body weight.

Children face significant risks, as early-life exposure to pesticides can harm their developing brain, nervous system, and other physiological systems. The repercussions include birth defects, cognitive and behavioral issues, disruptions to hormonal, reproductive, and immune systems, as well as an increased risk of cancers and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, some disorders may manifest in adulthood, and certain effects can be passed on to successive generations. Scientific evidence indicates that even low-level pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood poses a serious threat to children’s normal growth and health. The campaign underscores the urgent need to protect children from toxic pesticides to ensure their optimal physical and intellectual development.

However, the existing pesticide regulatory policies, standards, and practices worldwide do not adequately address this critical need. Current lax standards, often targeted at adults, fail to recognize that ‘children are not little adults.’ The campaign calls for a paradigm shift in regulatory approaches to safeguard children’s health, emphasizing the urgency of aligning policies with the unique vulnerabilities and needs of the younger population.

In collaboration with the Pesticide Action Network Asia-Pacific and Pesticide Action Network India, Thanal has been actively engaged in the Protect Our Children campaign, focusing on educating and empowering children to make informed choices about safe food options and protect themselves from toxic pesticides. Over the past three years, Thanal has mobilized thousands of children from across Kerala, conducting educational sessions and raising awareness among students, parents, and teachers alike.

Thanal has introduced students to the diverse food systems of Kerala, highlighting the region’s rich food culture and encouraging them to opt for safe and sustainable food choices. Furthermore, Thanal supports students in establishing kitchen gardens in their schools and homes, promoting hands-on learning experiences in agroecology farming practices. Moreover, Thanal organizes biodiversity monitoring activities to foster a deeper connection between children and nature, aiming to bring the future generation closer to the natural world.

Latest News and Updates

Unfolding Nature’s Flavours at Jaivika

In the latest endeavour as part of the Protect Our Children campaign, December 18 witnessed a dedicated effort to engage school children and promote sustainability initiatives. The focal point of the event was introducing 110 students from four different schools to the diverse world of millet, pulses, and rice, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices. Ms. K A Beena, a noted author and journalist, led an engaging session.
During the event, traditional snacks from Attappadi made of millets were served, providing the young participants with an introduction to new and healthy tastes and flavors. The gathering served as an opportunity for the children to not only learn about the impact of pesticides but also explore alternative, pesticide-free food options. The interactive session with our experts and team went beyond theoretical knowledge, offering a hands-on experience with traditional millet cuisines and organic foods, enriching the students’ taste buds and opening a new world of safe and sustainable food practices.

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Additionally, the students left their mark of happiness through a memorable art project created during the event. Using their handprints, the children contributed to a collective artwork that symbolized their participation and enthusiasm for promoting safe and sustainable food practices. This creative expression not only added a personal touch to the event but also served as a visual representation of the children’s commitment to the Protect Our Children campaign.

Amminikutty Share her Tragic Story to Protect Our Children from Toxic Pesticides

To underscore the dangers of toxic pesticides, the Thanal team created a powerful illustration featuring ‘Amminikutty,’ a pregnant woman crafted from hazardous pesticide bottles collected from Wayanad farms. Through Amminikutty, the message resonated that women and children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure, ranging from short-term to long-term health impacts. In tandem with Amminikutty’s educational outreach, Thanal organized two additional events during Ikki Jatre to raise awareness and protect children from the dangers of toxic pesticides. While Amminikutty shed light on pesticide hazards, Ikki Jatre offered children an immersive experience amidst the freshness of nature, emphasizing the importance of agroecology in safeguarding our health and environment.

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During the Ikki Jatre festival, students from Idavaka National A LP School, Moolithodu, embarked on an enriching journey at Thanal Agroecology Centre. Here, they delved into a vibrant exploration of over 300 indigenous rice varieties, alongside immersive experiences in vegetable and medicinal gardens, and an appreciation of biodiversity. Guided by our experts, the students engaged in nature walks and documented their field visit, drawing them closer to the essence of agroecology. Joining the festival were 33 tribal students at the Rice Diversity Block, eager to immerse themselves in the abundance of rice varieties. Special games and interactive events were organized to captivate and inspire the children, allowing them to discover the diverse paddy varieties and the surrounding flora and fauna firsthand.

Reviving Tradition, Cultivating Awareness: Kambala Natti

On August 17, coinciding with Chingam -1, Farmers Day, Thanal AgroEcology Centre celebrated Kambala Natti, an indigenous festival showcasing the rice transplantation traditions of tribal communities. Accompanied by traditional music and dance, the event featured the use of native instruments like Thudi and Cheeni. Vellimoopan from Panamaram Arotthu Paniya hamlet and his 10-member group lent their expertise to the Natti, reviving this almost-forgotten tradition. Many local residents, friends, and students from Panavally Higher Secondary School, along with their teachers, attended the event to witness the rice planting and learn about Kerala’s cultural and traditional paddy cultivation methods.

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In rural settings, rice farming is intricately tied to local food security. However, modern farming practices and increased pesticide usage have jeopardized both labor and food security. Thanal, within the framework of the Protect Our Children Campaign, strives to reintroduce organic and natural farming practices while preserving associated cultural traditions. By involving local school children in this agricultural tradition, Thanal seeks to educate and raise awareness about Kerala’s food culture and the imperative of adopting safe and sustainable food practices for the well-being of children and future generations.

Empowering Girls and Nurturing Sustainability

In a landmark moment for gender inclusion and sustainability, Thanal participated in a unique event at Model Higher Secondary Boys School, Chalai. The occasion marked the inaugural ceremony, or “praveshanolsavam,” of the school’s first batch of 12 girl students. This marked a significant departure from the school’s 40-year history as a boys-only institution. Sri. Antony Raju, Minister for Road Transport, Motor Vehicles, and Water Transport, inaugurated the event, extending a warm welcome to the new girl students. Additionally, Sri. S. Salim, the ward Councillor and Welfare Standing Committee Chairman, distributed tree saplings donated by Thanal to the girls. Each girl planted a fruit tree sapling, symbolizing growth and prosperity within the campus, serving as a lasting memento of this historic occasion.

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Jishnu, a member of the Thanal team, expressed his delight at participating in this moment of gender inclusion and justice. He emphasized the importance of educating youngsters about their right to health and safe food, highlighting the threats posed by chemical pesticides to the environment, health, and life. This event exemplifies Thanal’s commitment to the Protect Our Children campaign, promoting gender equality, sustainability, and the well-being of future generations.

Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Agriculture

At Thanal Agroecology Centre in Panavally, Wayanad, the largest live paddy collection in Kerala recently completed the transplantation of 314 paddy varieties. This milestone in 2022 was achieved with the assistance of students from Govt VHSE School Panavally and BSc agricultural students from Lovely Professional University, Punjab.In a world increasingly dominated by mechanized farming and toxic pesticide usage, Thanal Agroecology Centre remains committed to preserving and promoting traditional farming methods. Recognizing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture, environment, and traditions, Thanal dedicated this year’s Rice Diversity Block to the youth themselves.

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During the transplantation process, students took center stage, transplanting 225 short-duration paddy varieties independently. Over 50 students from Govt VHSE School Panavally and 10 students from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, actively participated in this year’s initiative. They not only observed and learned manual tillage processes, field preparation, weeding, leveling, and transplantation but also engaged in hands-on practice, gaining valuable experience in organic bio input usage and sustainable agriculture practices. This initiative underscores Thanal’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering a deeper connection between the younger generation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Educating for Health: Empowering Youth through the PROTECT OUR CHILDREN Campaign

The ‘PROTECT OUR CHILDREN Campaign,’ in collaboration with PANAP (Pesticide Action Network Asia-Pacific), kicked off with an enlightening session on ‘awareness about pesticides used in food and agroecology as a solution’ for the students of Govt VHSS, Kottukal, Punnakulam on June 8, 2022. Led by Smt. Usha.S, Director of Thanal, the session aimed to educate students about the dangers of pesticides in food and promote agroecology as a sustainable solution.

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Following the informative session, the students received hands-on training on starting a seed bed and kitchen garden. This practical training empowered them with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their own organic produce, thereby promoting healthy eating habits and reducing exposure to harmful pesticides. This initiative reflects the commitment of the ‘PROTECT OUR CHILDREN Campaign’ to safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations through education and sustainable agricultural practices.