The Call To Action for Social Change Foundation is using animation to encourage more responsible choices from young people while calling on adults and institutions to help shape a safer future.
The idea that harmful behaviour develops within society, rather than in isolation, is central to the work of the Foundation.
Established in 2021, the organisation brings together people from various professional and religious backgrounds to address social issues, with a focus on prevention and corrective action.
Its latest initiative, the ‘Think Before You Act’ Animation Series, addresses bullying, negative peer pressure and coercion into violence.
CTA President Shaleeza Khan-Ali says the initiative builds on the Foundation’s concern about the conditions that contribute to harmful behaviour.
“The article said that the perpetrators of the crimes at that time that we had witnessed, they referred to those perpetrators as monsters. And what we said is that monsters aren’t born, they are created, and they are created due to the deficiencies in our society. Some are societal and some are institutional.”
For CTA Director and Founding Member Dr Katija Khan, prevention also requires a closer look at the attitudes and expressions that become part of everyday life.
She said the messages children receive from adults can influence how they understand respect, authority and the treatment of others.
“Why you crying? Finish it with me. I will give you something to cry for. Yes? But it is also there when we say, come and eat it, have enough for everybody. So these expressions tell us something about what we pass on. They tell our children whose feelings matter, who has power, and whether fear is an acceptable way to earn respect. And preventing violence means paying attention to these everyday lessons.”
Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit stated that the challenges families face and the support parents need must also be recognised in all efforts to protect children.
She noted that adults must be prepared to examine their own conduct, rather than placing the responsibility for change entirely on young people.
“We cannot demand from our children the behaviours that we ourselves refuse to practice. We cannot tell children not to bully while we humiliate others in public. I’m not saying you present, but I’m saying we, including myself. Our children are listening, but more importantly, they are watching.”
Minister of Education Dr Michael Dowlath also emphasised the importance of giving children opportunities to think critically, make responsible decisions and seek guidance from adults they trust.
“Our young people are looking for adults whom they could trust. And therefore, Call to Action is one of the organisations I know. I’ve been a part of you in your formative years, and I want to say this is an organisation that you can trust.”
The Foundation hopes that the three animations will reach children through schools, homes and communities, opening up conversations about how they respond to conflict and pressure.