Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) recently held a forum, 'The Role of Teachers in Child Protection' at the Senate Room, Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

The forum was attended by more than 100 people comprising lecturers and teachers from the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education and the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as graduate students from SHBIE, specifically those undertaking Master of Teaching (MTeach), Master in Counselling (MCounselling), Master of Education (MEd) and PhD.

The main objective of the forum was to raise awareness on children's rights in the country. The forum focussed on the role of teachers and counsellors in protecting children at school, according to a press release from UBD.

The one-hour session was chaired by Dr. Hajah Salwa binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Mahalle, the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, UBD in her role as a lecturer in counselling at SHBIE.

The panel members consisted of DSP Hajah Mariyani binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Head of the Women and Children Abuse Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Ustazah Dr. Lilly Suzana binti Haji Shamsu, a religious speaker specialising in the Hadith from the Faculty of Usuluddin, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), who is also the Director of Public and International Affairs, UNISSA.

The forum discussed issues relating to child protection in terms of enforcement and the Islamic viewpoint. Various issues related to child protection were discussed, including children at risk, unfit guardian, illegal activities, or activities that affect the health and welfare of children, and children trafficking.

Children's rights are taken seriously in Islam and parents are entrusted with the responsibility of caring and protecting them.

Teachers, regarded as 'in loco parentis', serve as parents to children at schools. They also play an important role in reporting to the relevant authorities once they identify children who are at risk and require help for protection.

As a higher institution that produces teachers through the MTeach programme, SHBIE takes utmost attention on issues relating to child protection in schools.

The forum also aimed to create awareness and help teacher candidates pursuing the MTeach to be more vigilant in matters relating to child protection.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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