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Thursday March 28, 2024

39 children of NCPC enrolled in schools for formal education

IslamabadAs many as 39 children of National Child Protection Centre (NCPC) were enrolled in schools on Monday so that they could receive formal education in regular academic institutions. Established in year 2006, the NCPC provides temporary shelter and rehabilitation to homeless, street and runaway children and provide counselling and referral

By Myra Imran
April 01, 2015
Islamabad
As many as 39 children of National Child Protection Centre (NCPC) were enrolled in schools on Monday so that they could receive formal education in regular academic institutions. Established in year 2006, the NCPC provides temporary shelter and rehabilitation to homeless, street and runaway children and provide counselling and referral services to abused and exploited children.
The centre is currently providing non-formal education to around 58 vulnerable children. At NCPC, dedicated teachers from a non-governmental organisation. Out of School Children’s School (OSCS) conduct classes six days a week to bring children from slums and poverty ridden areas at par with the formal school system. After that, the willing children are enrolled in schools.
During school hours at the centre, children are provided with free food, pick and drop services, uniform and books. Among total 39 NCPC children, 30 were enrolled in an Islamabad Model School No. 41, I-10/4 in class five while nine were registered in nursery class. A ceremony was organised at the school to celebrate this occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, NCPC Director Muhammad Yousaf Shah talked about the objectives of the centre and its functions. He informed that that the project of non-formal education was running under National Commission for Child Welfare and Development (NCCWD), Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights. He said that enrolled students include 14 girls among which 11 were inducted in class 5 whereas three were registered in nursery while 19 boys were enrolled in class 5 and six boys would attend Nursery class. “Students of class five will appear in board examination next year,” he said adding that education is the right of every citizen and proper schooling is imperative for better upbringing of children. He said that earlier, these children were involved in beggary and child labour.
“The centre staff held meeting with their parents and convinced them to send them at the centre for education,” he said. He also acknowledged services of OSCS for volunteering providing teachers for their informal school. Children at NCPC are mostly in the age group of 6 to 14 years. So far the centre has rehabilitated more than 1500 children. The centre has reunified 3586 children with their families. A 24 hours toll free helpline 0800-11515 has also been setup at the centre to register complains against child rights violations. The landline is functional since February 27, 2015. “Any vulnerable or unattended child can also be reported at this number. After receiving the call, the NCPC staff follows the case through proper channel. Law enforcers are also involved if required,” he stated.
Out of Children School (OSCS) Chairperson Dr. Tayyaba Siddiqui and Principal Islamabad Model School No. 41, Ghazala Asif were also present on the occasion.