Diplomat Correspondent
Leh: DD, The Director, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Kunzes Angmo, inaugurated a two-day Training -cum-Sensitisation Programme on Child Rights, Care, and Protection of Children for the functionaries of Mission Vatsalaya and child helplines at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Leh.
The programme is being organised by the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development with the support of the Social & Tribal Welfare Department and the UT Child Protection Society, Ladakh.
Sonali Kumari, Assistant Director, National Institute of Cooperation and Child Development, Regional Centre, Mohali, is serving as the trainer for the programme.
She highlighted the importance of the training in ensuring the holistic development of children, stressing on cross-learning, capacity building of all stakeholders, and strengthening awareness of the Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, adoption procedures, and other child protection mechanisms.
She emphasised that all functionaries must be well-versed with their roles and responsibilities in handling sensitive situations, and trained in effective communication techniques with children.
The training also aims to bridge gaps in implementation of child protection laws and ensure that social workers and field functionaries are better equipped to support children in vulnerable situations. A similar training will be conducted in Kargil in the coming year.
Participants included Program Manager, State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Abdul Rahim; Program Manager, State Adoption Resource Agency(SARA), Sonam Chosdon; Chairperson CWC Leh and Kargil; members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Leh and Kargil, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Leh and Kargil, social workers, officials from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Helpline Functionaries, and legal advisors.
In her inaugural address, Director, Kunzes Angmo thanked Sonali Kumari and her institute for their support, and urged the participants to take maximum benefit from the training. She underlined the significance of the mission and the importance of adoption procedures, stressing the need for social workers to clarify doubts, spread awareness, and avoid complications in the future.
The programme commenced with sessions on child protection rights, the POCSO Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act, marking the beginning of an intensive capacity-building exercise for all stakeholders involved in child welfare across Ladakh.DD
