A significant seminar on child protection and drug prevention was jointly organized by the Social Welfare and Education Departments in Tando Bago, District Badin. The event took place at Khan Bahadur Mir Ghulam Muhammad Higher Secondary School and was attended by education officers, teachers, and social welfare officials.
Addressing the seminar, Additional Director of Social Welfare Badin, Abdul Ghaffar Khoso, emphasized the crucial role of teachers and parents in protecting children. He stated that children are innocent and their mental, physical, and emotional well-being depends on the efforts of parents and educators.
Mr. Khoso highlighted several serious challenges facing child protection, including:
- Physical and mental abuse
- Sexual exploitation and violence
- Forced child labor
- Child abduction and trafficking
- Exploitation of children in drug trafficking
- Addiction of children to various substances
He expressed grave concern that drug proliferation is destroying families and rapidly damaging societal fabric. The Additional Director stressed that everyone must play their role in creating a drug-free society.
“Teaching is a noble profession, and teachers are the pillars of our society’s consciousness,” Khoso stated, adding that the young generation must be protected from drugs and other dangers.
The seminar also covered key aspects of relevant laws, including:
- Child protection laws
- Laws prohibiting physical punishment of children
- Laws against child marriage
- Legislation preventing forced labor and child exploitation
District Education Officer (Secondary) Ahmed Khan Zaur, speaking at the event, emphasized that schools are the primary institutions for children’s reform. “Along with education, teachers should create awareness among children so they can protect themselves,” he said, noting that teachers play a vital role in personality development and cultivating positive attitudes in children.
Child Protection Officer Din Muhammad Dhero informed participants about the child protection helpline 1121, where complaints about injustices against children can be reported, with each complaint receiving immediate legal attention.
Representing the anti-drug NGO “New Life Trust,” Anjum Ali Rajput urged teachers and parents to make every effort to protect children from drugs to save society from destruction. He mentioned that their organization provides treatment for those addicted to intravenous drugs.
The seminar also featured addresses by Principal Ali Ahmed Buledi, Taluka Education Officer Dr. Murtaza Ali Leghari, Taluka Officer Female Yasmeen Kanbhar, Abdul Fatah Tunio, Ms. Zarqa, and Basit Ali.
The participating teachers actively engaged in the question-and-answer session, showing great interest in the topics discussed. The event concluded with District Education Officer and other guests distributing appreciation certificates among the teachers.
The seminar served as an important platform for creating awareness and developing strategies to strengthen child protection mechanisms and combat drug abuse in the community.
