Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) and Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SNGOU), Kollam are set to jointly launch certificate and diploma courses focused on child rights and laws concerning children.

The two institutions will collaborate through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the courses. The MoU was signed and exchanged at the office of the Vice Chancellor of Sree Narayana Guru Open University at 10:30 am on August 11.

According to a statement issued by the Child Rights Commission, the courses are aimed at providing participants with both academic and practical knowledge of children's rights, legal protections and child protection mechanisms.

Kerala Child Rights Courses: What Will Students Learn?

The certificate and diploma courses will cover important areas related to child rights and laws, including:

• Children's rights and protections

• Constitutional safeguards for children

• Juvenile Justice Act

• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act

• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act

• Prohibition of Child Labour Act

• Right to Education Act

• Child protection systems

The courses are expected to provide learners with a better understanding of the legal and institutional framework designed to protect children.

Who Can Benefit From the Courses?

According to the commission, the courses will be useful for a wide range of participants, including members of the general public, teachers, students and government officials.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns around violence, exploitation, neglect and cyber threats involving children. The commission said that greater awareness of child rights and protection laws can help individuals and professionals better understand their responsibilities towards children. 

The courses are also expected to help participants understand the practical application of child protection laws and mechanisms.

Officials to Attend MoU Signing

Several officials from the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Sree Narayana Guru Open University are expected to attend the MoU signing ceremony.

Those attending include KSCPCR Chairperson K V Manoj Kumar, SNGOU Vice Chancellor V P Jagathi Raj, Child Rights Commission members, Secretary B Gopakumaran Nair, Registrar T P Komalavalli, University Registrar Dr Abhilash Babu and Syndicate members, among others.

Further details regarding the course duration, eligibility criteria, admission process and commencement of classes are expected to be announced by the institutions.