The Government of Meghalaya, through the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute, organized a two-day training programme on “Child Rights & Child Protection during Disasters” from 24th to 25th July 2024. This programme aimed to enhance participants' understanding and skills in safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their protection during disaster situations. Attendees included educators, members of child helpline services, medical health officers, and professionals working in child protection services and district welfare offices from various districts of Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Ms. Jordana Dipera R. Marak, Assistant Professor from the Department of Political Science, Don Bosco College, Tura, also participated in this important training program.
The training covered a wide range of topics centered on the protection of children during disasters. The first formal session, led by Ms. Silma Suting, Counselor at DCPU, EKHD, focused on the basic concepts of risk management, disaster mechanisms in the country, and the impact of disasters on vulnerable groups, with a special emphasis on children. Ms. Suting also conducted a session on "Child Rights in Disasters," stressing the importance of upholding children's rights in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
Another significant session was led by Ms. Naphi L. Nongbri, Senior Dietician and Diabetic Educator at Good Health Diet Clinic, Shillong. She discussed the health and nutrition of children and women during disasters, highlighting the importance of nutritional assessment in emergencies. Ms. Nongbri detailed food-based interventions, such as General Food Distributions (GFD), Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programmes (BSFP), and Therapeutic Feeding Programs.
Ms. E. Kharpuri, Programme Officer at the State Child Protection Society, Department of Social Welfare, Meghalaya, presented on "Child Protection during Emergencies." Her session provided strategies and frameworks for effectively protecting children during crises. This interactive session engaged participants in group discussions, exploring practical approaches to child protection and the roles of various stakeholders in safeguarding children's rights.
The second day commenced with another session by Ms. Suting, focusing on the Life Cycle Approach for Child Protection and Mental Health and Psycho-social Support for Children in Disasters. This session addressed the psychological impact of disasters on children and emphasized the importance of timely support. Additional sessions provided practical guidelines and strategies to ensure the safety of children at home during emergencies and discussed the critical importance of maintaining the continuity of education during disasters.
