Child Safety Month in Schools by Ed.Min.

A Child Safety month aimed at protecting children from drugs, improving their nutrition and health, has been introduced by the Ministry of Education.

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told a news conference this week that programmes to this effect will be carried out till end June.

The minister added that the protection of children, keeping them away from drugs, improving education standards and maintaining a consistent mental and physical health among students will be the focus of the progamme.

The programme will be conducted by the Ministry of Education together with the National Authority on Tobacco & Alcohol, non-governmental organizations of the Secretariat, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), Bureau of Family Health, Nutrition Coordination Unit, Children and Women's Bureau, Ministry of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, Police Dept, National Child Protection Authority, ‘Healthy Lanka Company’ and other organisations.

The 1st week of the month has been named ‘Rata Dinawamu’ Week, under the theme of drug addiction and smoking, to prevent drug use among schoolchildren.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the drug and Alcohol & Drud Information Center will be involved in the projects.

The 2nd Week has been named Child Protection Week. Programmes on Prevention of Child Abuse and problems related to security within school's will be addressed .

The 3rd Week will be dedicated to School Health Promotion. Awareness and implementation of a circular on nutrition and school canteens. During the 4th Week, children will be appreciated based on their talents and skills, and awarded prizes as a mark of encouragement.

(PG)