Govt boosts social workforce by 40% with Unicef for child protection
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3-day training program jointly organized by Department of Social Services (DSS) and Unicef
In a concerted effort to enhance child protection services across Bangladesh, the government, in partnership with Unicef, has embarked on a significant initiative to recruit and train over 1,200 social workers dedicated to child welfare, bringing the total number to over 4,000.
A pivotal milestone was reached with the completion of a comprehensive 3-day orientation Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Unicef.
This program aimed to equip a select group of social workers with the requisite skills and knowledge essential for introducing new recruits to the field of Child Protection Social Services.
The initiative underscores the government's unwavering commitment, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across the nation.
Social Welfare Minister Dr Dipu Moni expressed gratitude for Unicef's support and emphasized the importance of enhancing the nation's child protection system.
The European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, commended the government's dedication to investing in child protection, highlighting the EU's longstanding collaboration in this critical area.
Unicef Representative to Bangladesh, Sheldon Yett, emphasized the vital role of social workers in providing essential care and support to children facing violence.
He stressed the need for equipping them with adequate knowledge and resources to address the multifaceted challenges in child protection effectively.
Despite commendable progress, challenges such as child labor, inadequate birth registration, institutional care, child marriage, and insufficient family support persist.
Unicef, along with government and civil society partners, advocates for collaborative efforts to address these issues comprehensively.
Furthermore, sustained investment in human resources and specialized training programs is imperative to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable children and families.
Unicef calls on the government to prioritize the expansion and empowerment of the child protection workforce to ensure the rights and well-being of every child in Bangladesh.
With the steadfast support of the European Union and other stakeholders, Unicef remains committed to building a robust national child protection system that provides comprehensive care and protection for all children in Bangladesh.