TRAL: Dec 04 // Aashiq Khanday// The final phase of the training program on the role and responsibilities of Aayas in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Pulwama district concluded successfully today. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Riyaz Ahmed Mir, Principal of Boys Higher Secondary School, Tral. In his keynote address, he shed light on the current educational landscape, emphasizing the significant relevance of ECCE under NEP 2020 and highlighting the essential role of Aayas in implementing these fundamental educational changes.
Ms. Ambreen, Coordinator of the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), delivered a highly engaging and insightful speech on the immense responsibilities of the Aayas. She stressed that the Aaya plays a pivotal role in shaping the child’s personality and early education. She urged the Aayas to adopt feelings of love, compassion, and empathy towards the children and fulfill their key role in their proper upbringing.
The first session was conducted by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, DNO of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Mission. Dr. Malik introduced the Aayas to their evolving and vital role in the current educational system in an effective and gentle manner, clarifying that Aayas are not just assistants but hold a necessary position in the educational machinery.
In the second part of the session, Mr. Arshid Hussain Mir, Master Resource Person, discussed the holistic development of children, particularly their emotional development. He clarified that the safe and nurturing environment provided by the Aaya directly affects the child’s emotional well-being, ensuring a foundation of trust and security.
Ms. Babra Shabir, an official from SCERT, elaborated on the role of Aayas and requested them to be fully acquainted with their important work, especially in the kindergarten environment. She further reinforced the topic, focusing particularly on the context of preschool and Bal Vatika, detailing the mandatory duties imposed on Aayas during these crucial early years.
The second day commenced with a highly practical session on activity-based learning, managed by Ms. Sheenam Abraq. She focused on integrating modules with activities, stating the goal was to help Aayas translate the basic principles of the training directly into practical classroom situations.
The final and important session of the second day was taken by Mr. Khanday Ashiq Hassan, another Master Resource Person. His discussion centered on the Aaya’s role in nurturing young minds and shaping the future of children. Besides advocating for a balanced approach to the holistic development of children, he discussed the exceptional importance of health and hygiene in the early childhood environment. He stressed that the fundamental responsibilities of Aayas include the basic supervision of sanitation and hygienic practices. He outlined the specific role of Aayas in providing practical remedies for common challenges and incidents encountered in schools. He emphasized that by maintaining high standards of health and hygiene, the Aaya directly contributes to the child’s holistic development, ensuring a safe and healthy environment where education and training can flourish.
It is noted that this was the final phase of the training program in Pulwama district, during which nearly 60 Aayas participated. In total, 300 Aayas from eight educational zones in Pulwama district have been trained through this program so far. On the final day of the training program, the Aayas pledged to play their key role in showing empathy, compassion, kindness, and ensuring the proper upbringing of children.
The two-day training program concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participating Aayas.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik presented the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource persons, guests, and participants. It is to be noted that the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), UNICEF, and SCERT jointly provided key cooperation in organizing the program.
The program has been termed a significant step towards empowering frontline childcare providers and ensuring high standards of quality care and education during these critical early years (Press Release).
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