Chaibasa, 23rd August 2024: Recognizing the vital role of teachers in safeguarding children’s rights, UNICEF Jharkhand and Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a one-day workshop at Hotel Sun Shine in Chaibasa.
This event was the part of Adolescent Reporters Programme being run by UNICEF Jharkhand with the support of NBJK in 100 govt schools & 15 KGBVs in Ranchi & West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Around 30 government school teachers from 3 blocks – Chaibasa, Manjhari & Khuntpani participated in the workshop along with the 15 teachers of 15 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBVs) of West Singhbhum district. Besides them, Education Extension Officers (BEEOs) & Block Programme Officers (BPOs) also attended this workshop,
The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of child rights by covering crucial topics such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), establishing active child cabinets in schools, promoting healthy diets, addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children and role of teachers in child protection, WASH in schools, and school safety preparedness etc.
This workshop was addressed by Ms. Astha Alang, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand; Mr. Onkar Nath Tripathi, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF; Mr Toni Toppo, DEO, West Singhbhum and the consultants from different sections of UNICEF Jharkhand.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of teachers in the holistic development of children, Ms. Astha Alang, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand said, “Child rights are the foundation of a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment and every child has the right to live, be protected, develop to their full potential, and have a voice in matters affecting their lives. Our collective role is to uphold these rights in every classroom and community. Educators and teachers are on the front lines of recognising and addressing issues like protection from child abuse, neglect, good nutrition, right to education, safety in school and many more.”
She further said, “Knowing about children’s rights gives teachers the tools to assess whether the rights of every child are being respected not only in their classrooms and schools but also in the larger community. This workshop provides an opportunity to orient teachers on every aspect of child rights, so that they can understand their roles in creating an enabling environment for children in society.”
Speaking on this occasion, Mr Tony Toppo, District Education Officer (DEO), West Singhbhum Said, “This workshop is an excellent initiative by UNICEF to facilitate training for the government school teachers on child rights. Teachers can support making children aware of their rights and ensure that child rights are not being violated.”
He further said, “I request all the participating teachers, BEEOs and BPOs to take the knowledge of this workshop to your schools and in the community so that we can create a child-friendly environment in schools & society and ensure that no child remains out of school and they must get quality education and equal treatment in their surroundings.”
All the participants pledged to ensure a better environment for children.
