National Seminar on 'Child Protection – Integrate Mission Approach' was arranged at YWCA New Delhi from 22nd – 25th November, 2015 by the Social Services Department at National Secretariat. Major Janet Robson, Youth & Children Officer, IHQ is the Key resource person for this Seminar.
24 Delegates including Secretaries for programme Administration, Boys and Girls Home-Hostel in-charge & Assistant, D.C., DYS, C.O., School in-charge, Principal and Headmistress were selected from all Indian Territories
On the very first day Lt. Colonel Daniel Raju, National Secretary led in warm welcome and worship service. While Territorial Leaders Colonels Wilfred & Prema Varughese (India Northern Territory) & Major Janet Robson inaugurated the Seminar by lighting the candle in the name of triune God. Colonel Wilfred shared from the word of God Genesis 21:8 -27 and emphasized on three important words Compassion-Commitment and Courage needed to every children worker.
Resource person Major Janet Robson (IHQ) taught and focused on various subject based on Child Protection like an exploration of how Children can teach us in worship and Prayer, An update on The Salvation Army's response to Child protection issues, affirm all Children as sacred human beings at all times, Obligation to defend the cause of all Children, The full inclusion, Participation and protection of children In community and Children as recipients, messengers and ministers of God's Grace. We were divided into groups and discussed intensively about the Children. The Sessions were very lively and interactive. We were divided into groups and discussed various issues in regard to Child Protection.
On the last day of the sessions Mr. Gary Kamaal , Honorary Secretary & Senior Consultant VIVA Network India and Mrs. Evangeline Odyou, VIVA Network enlightened us by sharing various subjects such as 'Overview on child Wellbeing, Child right & responsibilities, Code of conduct, Good touch Bad touch, Indian Govt. Policy & Laws, Networking with CWC & Child helpline, Practical issues of Reporting Abuse and developing an Action Plan etc. We the delegates gained much knowledge on Children and very much aware about their protection.
Morning devotions led by Lieut-Colonels Baby Sarojini Dasari, Daniel Raju and Daniel Raju Mathangi, CS INT that was very much blessed and encouraging for our spiritual life. In the final session Territorial Commander Colonel Wilfred Varughese encouraged and challenged through the word of God “Serve the lord whole heartedly”. Every one rededicated their lives for better service for the kingdom of God and especially for Child care and protection.
The entire seminar was very valuable and challenging. Group discussion on various subject, power point presentation, illustrations, Biblical perspective, delegates' idea, thought and presentation and interaction was very much helpful, motivating, encouraging and challenging to understand child protection policy as well as to put into practice to protect children in India. All most all the delegates decided to take care about the children under their care and also to share to others about the Child Care/Protection. We humbly request you all to show love and care upon every child where ever you are.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Major Sanjay K. Khristi, Officer In-Charge
SA English Medium School, Vadodhara, India Western Territory
