Training programme on 'Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction' commences
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 19 2022: A three day online training programme on 'Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction' began yesterday at Manipur University.

The programme is being jointly organised by the Department of Teacher Education, Manipur University and Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (CCDRR), National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Speaking at the inaugural session Professor N Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University (MU) highlighted that children are the most vulnerable section of the society in the time of social crisis and natural disaster.

He mentioned that such training will help various stakeholders and the State to prepare on risk-informed planning, sectoral readiness and preparedness for emergencies so that children are not deprived of basic amenities in the time of crisis.

Professor W Chandbabu Singh, Registrar MU had given an example of Assam flood (1999) on how children suffered the most in the times of natural disasters.

Emphasizing on the helplessness of children in the times of natural disaster like flood, earthquake, etc he said that such training will create awareness among people in the country about child centric risk reduction strategies.

Dr Balu I, CCDRR, NIDM briefly highlighted on the three day online training programme on 'Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction' .

He had mentioned how India has been devastated over the past three decades during crisi and said that during such phases, the life and constitutional rights and needs of children are threatened.

Children are vulnerable to many diseases and trafficking during the time of crisis.

So it is the responsibility of the people to protect the constitutional rights and needs of children during any natural disasters and the training will make people aware of disaster risk management and impact of disaster on children, he added.

Dr.Koijam Sobita Devi, Co-ordinator of the programme, Department of Teacher Education, Manipur University highlighted that developments during the formative years lay the foundation for future behaviour and personality in children and it is extremely important to address their physical, mental and psychosocial needs in times of crisis to avoid from anxiety, frustration and depression.

She also stressed on the need of all stakeholders to join together towards protecting children.

The training programme will cover different dimensions of child centric disaster risk reduction for children living in an environment of disaster.

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