BSS, Rajshahi :
Speakers at a discussion here on Monday said the children should be enriched with social, moral and religious values for family and society.
They called upon all concerned including faith and community leaders to come forward and work together so that the children can get the chance of acquiring moral and religious values from their childhood.
The observation came at a function titled “Unveiling of the Faith Led Child Development Project and Consultation with Partner” held here yesterday.
World Vision Bangladesh organised the meeting to mark launching of the two-year faith led child development project. More than 50 persons from different faiths and other stakes joined the discussion.
Deputy Commissioner Helal Mahmud Sharif addressed the discussion as chief guest while Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahid Newaj and District Women Affairs Officer Shahanaj Begum spoke as special guests with World Vision AP Manager James Bimal Costa in the chair.
During his concept paper presentation, World Vision Director Chandan Z Gomes told the meeting that main thrust of the Taka 1.63-crore project is to enhance holistic development of children utilizing the transformative power of faith communities.
Narrating background and importance of the project, he said around 5,000 people including 1810 women, 650 boys and 750 girls were brought under the project as direct beneficiary for early childhood care and development.
Besides, it will also influence 1,73,022 other populations including 55,469 women, 31,245 boys and 30,978 girls through multidimensional activities.
Divisional Director of Islamic Foundation Mahbub Alam and Senior Priest of Catholic Church Reverend Patrick Gomes highlighted various issues relating to child rights, child protection and responsibilities of faith and community leaders in Islam and Christian perspectives respectively.
Helal Mahmud said emphasis should be given on enhancing protective and enabling environments for children’s learning and development by catalysing faith actors and faith communities.
