SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Jan 19: The Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, and its Rural Management Programme in collaboration with Bal Raksha Bharat which is globally known as Save the Children organised a Roundtable discussion on the topic ‘Child Rights with a special focus on Mental Health and coping with learning difficulties’ at its premises on Thursday.
Notably, a panel discussion was held where Dr Anant Kumar, Head of Programme, Rural Management Programme, XISS highlighted the aspects of mental health and the situation of policies for a child in the State. Dr Kanika Mitra, Chief of UNICEF, Jharkhand talked about mental health and psychosocial support and also coping mechanisms with learning difficulties. The moderator of this discussion was senior journalist Madhukar.
Earlier, while welcoming the speakers Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director XISS said, “When we think of child rights, what comes in our mind is rationale to human & child. Children in rural areas have no access to gadgets to facilitate the online learning process which deprives them of their right to education. We should help these children with mental, emotional, and moral support. We also need to engage in research and training with our stakeholders for policy advocacy. We should make it a campaign – Hum Andolan Layenge.”
Mahadev Hansda, State Programme Manager, Save the children, India stated the importance of this event and said, “Post COVID, the mental health of children has been adversely affected. It is the role and responsibility of various stakeholders to safeguard the vulnerable section of society- ‘A Child’. This discussion of the round table will lead to a framework for policy advocacy which will be helpful for children.”
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Ujjwal Prakash Tiwary, Member, Jharkhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (JSCPCR), highlighted that proper care and protection can help a child flourish in the changing world when support is provided to their family in terms of employment.
Meanwhile, a delegation of children from Chakradharpur handed over a charter of demand to representatives of the state government.
Later, an interactive session was also conducted for the audience which was attended by all the Heads of Programmes, Faculty, and Students of Rural Management.
