An awareness Programme on Child Protection Act organised by District Education Office, Samagra Shiksha, Namchi in collaboration with Women and Child Development Department, Namchi

Namchi, 27 June (IPR) : An awareness Programme on Child Protection Act was organised by District Education Office, Samagra Shiksha, Namchi in collaboration with Women and Child Development Department, Namchi.
The programme was conducted at PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School Namchi on 25th June and at BAC Namthang on 26th June to create awareness and sensitize the HOIs (govt. & pvt. Schools) and SMCs of each school alongwith CRC Coordinators and Special Eductor/Resource Teachers.
Also present during the programme were Chief Education Officer Mr. Suraj Rai, Joint Director District Education Office Mr. G.P Sharma, Joint Director Yangang Sub- Division Mr. P.K Sharma, Deputy Director Samagra Shiksha, Mrs. Reepa Lepcha District Child Protection Officer, Ms. Pema Wangmu Bhutia Protection Officer, Ms. Megha Pradhan.
Mr. G.P Sharma Joint Director commenced the programme with his welcome address and highlighted the significance of the programme.
The resource person for the programme were Ms. Pema Wangmu Bhutia DCPO and Ms. Megha Pradhan Protection Officer.
Ms. Pema Wangmu Bhutia gave an information on various Child Protection Acts emphasizing it’s significance in ensuring the safety and well being of children. The participants were made aware about the reporting procedures against any child abuse, like physical, emotional, sexual abuse, child labour, early marriage, etc.She emphasized on working in coordinaton and not in isolation.She also spoke about various available support services including counselling, shelter and legal aid to affected children and families. She also stated that a financial support of Rs. 4000 per month is available for children with Special Needs.
Further, Ms. Megha Pradhan, Protection Officer gave an insightful and engaging session.She said that teachers are a role model of every student.So every bit of their action or speech leaves a huge impact in the life of every student.She further said that a teacher cannot be a counsellor, however he/she can give advice to students but for counselling one has to seek help of a professional. She emphasized that for any queries or reporting against any child abuse or any cases related to Protection of a child one can dial 1098.
At the end, an interactive session was conducted wherein queries and suggestions were taken up from the participants and were answered thoroughly by the Resource Persons and also the officials from Education Department.
Addressing the participants, Mr. P.K Sharma Joint Director explained about the necessity of organising such awareness programme on Child Protection Act and emphasized the stakeholders to work in coordination with the Department. He reflected on the violation of the rules and regulation or of the Child Protection Acts. He further said that this awareness programme has given a newfound knowledge.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Mrs Reepa Lepcha Deputy Director, Samagra Shiksha.
It maybe mentioned here that the same awareness programme will be conducted in the remaining six blocks after summer vacation of all the government schools.