A one-day advance level training on Gender-Based Violence and the establishment of Child Protection Cells brought District Education Officers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Peshawar to build practical skills for district-level response. The session emphasised the operational framework required to prevent abuse, respond effectively when incidents occur, and coordinate actions across education and protection sectors.
Participants worked through core concepts of Gender-Based Violence and the specific manifestations and impact of violence against children, with an aim to embed child protection principles within routine education administration. The programme reviewed the legal framework for child protection and examined how laws translate into actionable protocols at district level.
Attention was given to the structure, functions, and coordination mechanisms of Child Protection Cells, highlighting how these units should interface with schools, local authorities, and support services. Trainers underscored the role of DEOs in strengthening referral pathways, reporting mechanisms, and preventive policies so that child protection becomes part of planning and oversight across districts.
Field execution planning with Master Trainers allowed DEOs to map immediate steps for establishing or strengthening Child Protection Cells in their jurisdictions, including training needs, resource allocation, and coordination with stakeholders. The practical focus aimed to ensure that plans are both context sensitive and implementable within the provincial education system.
The training concluded with a closing session and distribution of certificates to participants, marking a tangible step towards a coordinated and functional child protection system within the education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By equipping DEOs with knowledge and tools on GBV and child protection, the initiative seeks to promote safer learning environments for children across the province.
