News Desk : dhakamirror.com
Bangladesh plans to hire 6,000 additional social workers to improve the effectiveness of the provision of child protection services at the local level.
This hiring will increase the workforce from the current 3,000 social workers to 9,000, representing a 200% increase in the number of social workers.
The statement was made during the first ever ‘National Symposium on Child Protection in Bangladesh,’ which was co-hosted by Unicef and the European Union at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka on Monday.
Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina, in a video message, emphasized the importance of making child protection services available at the community level.
“The aim of our government is to build a professional social service workforce that enhances efficient delivery of child protection services such as Child Helpline 1098, Child Protection Allowances and community-based outreach services involving volunteers, adolescent children, and community people so that no child is left behind,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In Bangladesh, over 30 lakh children are trapped in child labour of which 1.3 million are engaged in hazardous forms of child labour. One in every five children do not complete primary school. Nearly half of all children do not have a birth registration.
Over 1 lakh children are in institutional care and lack family support. One in every two girls, is made to marry while still a child. Untold millions of children live on streets.
“Social workers reach deep into communities where children need them the most. I congratulate the Government of Bangladesh for this dramatic increase in the number of social workers to help more children to benefit from critical professional care,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
“Children hold a significant potential to accelerate Bangladesh’s development. Our event today is a unique opportunity towards ensuring children are protected from violence, abuse and exploitation, in particular the most vulnerable children and children with disabilities. The EU remains committed to supporting the Government to strengthen child protection systems in Bangladesh,” said the Head of the EU delegation to Bangladesh, Ambassador Charles Whiteley.
Fazilatun Nessa Indira, state minister for Women and Children Affairs, Zahid Maleque, minister of Health and Family Welfare, Nuruzzaman Ahmed, minister of Social Welfare attended the programme, among others were present at the programme.
