Schools are places where children should feel safe and protected. However, schools across the country report cases of violence and exploitation. Without caregivers who understand children’s rights, laws protecting them, and proper reporting procedures, students are left vulnerable. To make schools safer and create a supportive environment, the Zhemgang District Administration trained caregivers yesterday.
Students across the country are settling back into a school routine. However, for some, that is great. For others, it is tough.
The students fall victim to physical abuse, sexual assault, bullying, discrimination, and harassment in the schools.
Zhemgang district last year reported two child abuse cases involving students.
So, to create a conducive and safe environment, the district education sector trained wardens, matrons and caregivers from 20 boarding schools in the district.
The participants were trained on the rights of children, child abuse and neglect, reporting procedures, and the legal responsibilities of school staff in protecting children.
The participants were also taught early risk identification and the process for referrals if a case arose in the school.
“They face a lot of challenges since they deal with small children. To help them understand laws, their responsibilities, and skills to deal with children, we have organised the training. Two school counsellors here in the district are training them,” said Samten, the Dy. Chief Education Officer of Zhemgang.
Phuntsho Wangmo, a counsellor said, “It is to enhance the knowledge on childcare and protection issues that are prevalent in the community. It is also to enhance the knowledge of helping skills. As a helper, if we do not have skills, we do end up harming the children instead of protecting them.”
“I find such training important and useful to matrons, wardens, and caregivers. We have been facing numerous challenges when we deal with children. Through this training, we will be able to learn new skills to deal with children in the schools and know how we keep children safe in the schools,” said Sonam Wangmo, a matron.
The participants said that training them not only ensures the emotional well-being of the students but also helps schools to prioritise academic success.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
