Caritas India, in its unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of children, recently conducted an essential training session on the organisation’s Child Protection Policy led by its Child Protection Specialist- Ms. Sween Sharma. This training initiative was made mandatory for all employees and was strategically organized at both the Head Office and Regional Office levels in span of two days. The sessions were meticulously designed to ensure that participants not only grasped the fundamental principles of child protection but also internalized these principles and translated them into actionable steps within their respective roles.

The training commenced with engaging ice-breaking activities aimed at fostering a collaborative and receptive learning environment. These activities set the stage for meaningful interactions among participants, creating a foundation for the subsequent, more in-depth training sessions. The initial focus on the first day was directed towards the Head Office staff.

On this day, participants delved into the intricacies of the Child Protection Policy, gaining insights into its overarching significance within the organisational context. The training further explored the legal framework surrounding child protection, acquainting participants with pertinent acts and regulations. Key terminologies related to child protection were also discussed, ensuring that participants were well-versed in the language and nuances of the policy.

The second day of the training was held online with the Regional Office team members. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired on the first day, this session sought to ensure that the guidelines were not only understood theoretically but also practically applied in diverse regional contexts. An important aspect of this was aligning child protection guidelines with the four important verticals of Head Office operations, namely programmes, programme finance, admin finance, and HR-admin. This approach aimed to empower participants to seamlessly integrate child protection considerations into their specific roles and responsibilities.

Recognizing the dynamic nature of Caritas India’s work, particular attention was given to preparing participants for on-field visits and direct or indirect engagements with children. The training emphasized the importance of strict adherence to established guidelines and highlighted specific do’s and don’ts, ensuring that ethical conduct was prioritized during all interactions. It also focused on the significance and process of reporting and case management when a child protection case arises. Steps to be undertaken and reporting mechanism was explained with the help of giving situations.

In recognition of the prevalent role of social media in today’s interconnected world, a dedicated segment of the training was allocated to discussing social media guidelines. Participants were educated on responsible online behaviour, emphasizing the potential impact of their digital presence on the overall success of child protection efforts.

Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, spoke about the importance of sensitizing every member and associate of Caritas India on Child Protection Policies. He emphasized that these guidelines should be at the forefront of all our interventions, so Caritas India is known to uphold the mental of practising the moral and ideal principles of protecting the children. He encouraged the team members to imbibe an uncompromising attitude towards protecting the dignity of children.

Programme Associate U-3 Catherine Kune said “I found this session really informative. I didn’t know the gravity of uploading photos on social media and the importance of consent. Today’s session was an eye-opener for me.”

Thematic Associate, Nutrition and Food Security, Caritas India, Sneha Jha remarked “Being a woman, I have the maternal urge to tap a child’s cheek or gently ruffle their hair. But attending this training I got to understand the situation from the organisation’s standpoint. I will be keeping the policy in mind considering the child’s best interest.”

In conclusion, Caritas India’s commitment to child protection was not only underscored but fortified through these comprehensive training sessions. By ensuring that all employees are well-informed, sensitized, and aligned with the organisation’s child protection policy, Caritas India has taken a significant step towards creating a safer and more secure environment for the children under its care. The training not only equipped the staff with knowledge but also empowered them to actively contribute to the implementation of effective child protection measures in their respective roles, thereby strengthening the organisation’s mission to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.