To ensure safety and wellbeing of students, the ST and SC Development Department has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for providing life skills education in residential schools under the department.
While inaugurating the programme, SC, ST Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) Director Prof AB Ota said the department would adopt ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards any cases of abuse and harassment on students in schools. He further stated, “The objective of the programme is not only to impart knowledge for better adolescent health, hygiene, nutrition, wellbeing and responsible behavior but also to instill skills among student for better communication, negotiation and social skills. It would make them able to effectively handle critical situations in their lives.”
Around 250 matrons of high schools will be trained in the first phase during June. The first batch of training concluded on June 8 while 67 matrons from tribal residential high schools of Kalahandi, Nabarangapur and Mayurbhanj were trained in a three-day programme.
The SCSTRTI plans to impart similar training to around 1,200 additional matrons during 2016-2017.
UNFPA State Programme Officer Kumar Manish said the UNFPA would provide all possible support to the department to promote life skills education in schools.