Proper physical, mental growth of kids stressed

RAJSHAHI, Apr 28 (BSS): Speakers at an advocacy workshop in the city Thursday laid emphasis on the need for proper physical and mental development of children for building a healthy and mentally sound nation. The speakers said that ensuring fundamental rights of the children has become indispensable for attaining the cherished goal. Bangladesh Shishu Academy (BSA) under its Sisimpur Outreach Project organised the workshop on "Early Childhood Development and Sisimpur" at the BSA conference room of its Rajshahi office. With District Children Affairs Officer Mosharraf Hossain Prodhan in the chair, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman spoke at the inaugural session as the chief guest, while Deputy Director of Mass Communication Department Bidhan Chandra Karmaker, District Children Affairs Officer of Rangpur Jahedul Islam and Additional District Primary Education Officer Harun-or Rashid addressed as special guests. They stressed on teaching children the positive family and social values and encouraged them to develop healthy behaviours at an early age. Besides, importance should be given to assessing the outcomes across a range of fields including hygienic behaviours like teeth cleaning, hand washing, bathing, grooming and consuming a balanced diet, they added. Project Manager Khalilur Rahman told the workshop that the Sisimpur outreach project has been adopted for demonstrating a positive impact on health, sanitation, nutritional knowledge and practices among the children. Some 31 government and non-government officials and other local level policymakers attended the workshop and discussed ways and means to build a congenial atmosphere for children.