Within the framework of the Community Level Access to Social Services (CLASS) program an event funded by the USAID on “Strengthening child protection concepts in the field of education in cooperation with the field of social protection” topic was held on February 7, 2024.
Chief of Parry the Community Level Access to Social Services (CLASS) program Aida Muradyan, Deputy Minister of ESCS Araksia Svajyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Tatevik Stepanyan, representative of the USAID Mission in Armenia, Melinda Woywod, Head of the Department for the Prevention of Juvenile offences and Domestic violence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Edgar Petrosyan welcomed the attendees with their opening speeches.
The speakers emphasized the right to education as the most important guarantee of the child’s development, as well as the creation of a safe, violence-free environment for the realization of that right. It is also important to introduce positive parenting in the society to achieve the set goals.
A. Svajyan presented the existing issues addressed the reasons for being dropped out of compulsory education, emphasized the role of communities in identifying children dropped out of education and directing them to educational establishments.
She noted that the problems are multi-layered and a complex approach should be taken to them.
The presentation of the “Prevention and response to violence against children” guideline for the staff of educational establishments, published in cooperation with the US Agency for International Development, World Vision Armenia, the Child Development Foundation and the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center, took place during the event.
RPPC director Lilit Mnatsakanyan presented the guideline in detail. She highlighted the role in the recognition of violence against children by specialists in educational establishments forming ideas about the child protection system, as well as detecting, responding to and preventing manifestations of violence.
The guideline will be provided to all schools and TPPSCs.
Also, the online version is also available on the RPPC website: https://bit.ly/484SUjH
Panel discussion was also held on the procedure for identifying and referring children who are dropped out of compulsory education, as well as the functions of state departments and responsible structures. The speakers highlighted the importance of cooperation to prevent possible problems and finding solutions to the current situation.
© Photos by CLASS
07.02.2024
