Kerala Child Rights Panel and Open University Join Hands to Offer Certificate, Diploma Courses
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU), Kollam, have partnered to launch certificate and diploma courses on child rights and related legislation. The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the commission's chairperson, K.V. Manoj Kumar, and SGOU Vice Chancellor Jagathy Raj V.P. at the Vice Chancellor's chamber on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press meet in the State capital later, Mr. Manoj Kumar said the curriculum was developed in response to a rise in crimes against children and feedback from the commission's awareness programmes indicating inadequate knowledge of child rights. The initiative aims to address this gap by equipping professionals and community members with a thorough understanding of child rights and protection.
The two courses are a six-month Certificate in Child Rights and Advocacy, and a one-year Diploma in Child Rights and Protection Studies, the latter spanning two semesters. The minimum qualification for the certificate course is SSLC (Class X), while the diploma requires a Plus Two qualification. Both courses are credit-based, allowing learners to transfer credits in line with the National Education Policy. Study materials will be available in Malayalam and English, and examinations can be taken in either language.
According to Mr. Manoj Kumar and Prof. Jagathy Raj, these may be the first courses of their kind in the country. The curriculum focuses on child rights, laws related to child labour and child marriage, child protection, child psychology, skill development, and nutrition. It includes both theoretical and practical components.
The courses are designed to benefit anganwadi workers, teachers, school counsellors, juvenile home staff, lawyers, and social activists. Prof. Raj stated that the courses aim to bring about a positive change in society. He added that awareness programmes, training sessions, and workshops will be organised in the future to complement the coursework.
