Dimapur, June 24 (EMN): A one-day state level consultation programme on the ‘Role of schools on child protection’ was held here today at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. The event was an initiative of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) and Childline Dimapur.
Resource persons were K Ela, ‘collab director’ of Childine/Prodigals’ Home; Dr. Zavise Rume, associate professor and nodal officer of guidance and counselling cell, SCERT Nagaland; and Esther K Aye, legal aid counsellor and trainer, Nagaland legal services authority.
According to Ela, the “reality” of child rights in Nagaland was “not as good as we think it is.” She shared that often exploitation of child rights, especially in cases of domestic labour in Dimapur were committed by people who teaches at various schools.
Such instances, she said, begs the question as to how the teachers would be treating children at schools – considering the scenario at home. “Some schools are very good. But we have to start questioning in what ways, we as adults, are failing our children.”
Ela also informed that in Dimapur, the district administration has already given the nod to set up a child protection policy to be implemented in all schools across the district. A committee has already been formed to draft the policy, she said.
She reasoned that once all the facilities/ mechanisms to ensure protection of child rights inside schools were installed, automatically the students’ academic performances would also improve.
Esther K Aye spoke on ‘child protection and child rights’; while Dr. Zavise Rume delivered a presentation on the ‘importance of counselling services in schools.’ The Assistant Commissioner’ of Dimapur, Rahul Mali, delivered the keynote address.
