Child Rights Observatory (CRO) organized a two-day capacity building workshop for its partners working in Districts. Workshop is focused on the issues of Child Marriage, Right to Education and violence against children. In her opening remarks CRO chairperson Nirmala Buch discussed the aims and objectives of the workshop.
She expressed concern on increasing violence against children and continuing practice of child marriages. She stated that CRO and its partners will work on these issues throughout the year with support from local community groups and Government. In the first session of workshop eminent pediatrician Prof Sheela Bhambal interacted on the right of life of children with the participants.
She told that situation in the field of infant, child and maternal mortality is still critical in the state, although efforts are there from the Government. Diarrhoea, Pneumonia and malnutrition are main concern. She was of the view that representatives of civil society organizations can contribute on this important issue by creating awareness in the society especially in the rural areas. Ramakant Tiwari, State Coordinator, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan informed the participants regarding various steps taken by the government on Right to Education.
He told that there are remarkable achievements in the field of nomination in the schools but the challenges of the retention of students in the schools and to provide the quality education are still there. Tiwari expressed hope that CRO and its partners can contribute to fill the gaps and challenges through evidence based advocacy.
Varsha Chandra discussed on the subject of Juvenile Justice Act and its provisions, Juvenile Homes and child protection homes. Raghuraj Singh from Child Rights Observatory MP informed the participants about School Forums. Uday Jain was also present. Neelesh Dubey moderated the workshop. Thirty participants from Bhopal, Damoh, Katni, Betul, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Mandla, Rewa, Shahdol, Harda and Satna Districts participated in the workshop. The workshop will continue tomorrow and work on strategies and programme of action to address these issues.