Manipur University

Year

Manipur Univerity, 18/05/2022: A three day online training programme on ‘Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction’ begins today 18^th May 2022.

The programme is jointly organised by 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

Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, Professor W. Chandbabu Singh, Registrar, Manipur University, Dr. Balu I Mr. Ranjan Kumar and Ms. Nazia Shaik, Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction Centre, National Institute of Disaster Management, Government of India, Ms Dolphi Raman, external expert, coordinator of the programme Dr. Koijam Sobita Devi, Department of Teacher Education, MU, Faculty members, Department of Teacher Education, teachers from University, Colleges, Schools, students, social welfare department, NSS voluntees, members of NGOs attended the programme. Around 300 participants attended the programme.

Speaking on the inaugural session Professor N Lokendra Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University highlighted that children are the most vulnerable section of the society in the time of social crisis and natural disasters. He mentioned that such training will help various stakeholders to prepare on risk-informed planning, sectoral readiness and preparedness for emergency so that children are not deprived of basic amenities in the time of crisis.

Professor W Chandbabu Singh, Registrar Manipur University highlighted on how much children suffer during the times of natural disasters describing the situation of Assam flood (1999) and other disasters in the country. He expressed the helplessness of children in the times of natural disaster like flood, earthquake, wild fire, etc. So such training will create awareness among people about child centric risk reduction strategies. He also mentioned that such training will provide a good platform to create resilience to people so that they can bounce back to normal situation.

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 by natural disaster giving examples of 1993 Latur earthquake, 1999 Odisha cyclone, Bhuj earthquake, tsunami etc During such times of crisis, the life and constitutional rights and need of children are threatened. Children are vulnerable to many diseases and trafficking during the time of crisis. So it is our responsibilities to protect the constitutional rights and need of children during any natural disasters. Such training will make people aware of disaster risk management and impact of disaster on children.

Ms Dolphi Raman, External Expert spoke on the “Do’s and Don’ts on Covid -19”. Shri Ranjan Kumar, CCDRR, NIDM also spoke on “Basic Concepts of Disaster Risk Management”

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. National Education Policy 2020 mentioned 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs prior to the age of 6. Indicating critical importance of appropriate care and stimulation of the brain in the early years in order to ensure healthy brain development and growth. She also expressed that children are the most vulnerable section and affected easily by any kind of disaster both during and post disaster phase. It is extremely important to address their physical, mental and psychosocial needs in such circumstances to avoid from anxiety, frustration and depression. She also conveyed the need of all stakeholders to join together towards protecting children.