An 18-day training programme for District Education Officers (DEOs), Block Education Officers (BEOs) and Assistant Block Education Officers (ABEOs) was launched here on Monday.
School and Mass Education Secretary Ranjana Chopra inaugurated the programme being organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in association with the department.
The Secretary said benefits of all schemes should reach the children properly for which implementers need to be convinced first.
“The objective of the programme is to orient all DEOS, BEOs and ABEOs on programme guidelines and protocols as they can connect with the last mile of the society, even in remote places,” she added.
The participants would be trained on Mid-Day Meal, National Iron Plus Initiative, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram and Universal Salt Iodisation during the training period.
Department Joint Secretary Gangadhara Sahoo said, “A child needs four pillars for his overall development i.e. nutrition, sanitation, fortification and quality education. We should take care of it through implementing the schemes properly.”
Unicef Odisha chief Yumi Bae stressed on the role of teachers in implementing the schemes. “Nutrition is important for the children, as nutritional deprivation leaves children tired and weak and lowers their IQs,” she added.
Around 50 education officers are participating in the programme, which would conclude on February 4.