New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) is aspiring to address the lack of childcare professionals in India. For the purpose, the university has collaborated with ‘Save the Children’, a non-profit organization. JMI is planning to introduce new childhood development programs at different degree levels including diploma, postgraduate and doctorate courses (M.Phil and PhD programs), from the academic year 2011. The diploma course will be a one-year program, while the Master’s program is meant for two years.
The course structure for the aforementioned courses is yet to be finalized. Yet, sources reveal that subjects like clinical psychology, nutrition, childhood education, pre and post natal care, counseling for expecting mothers are included in the course structure. Apart from conducting these courses, the University is also heading towards providing all-round training to the aspirants by giving them practical exposure at a working child-care center.
Professor Ejaz Hussain, coordinator of the centre and director of centre for physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences, JMI, said that the university aims to produce competent professionals for childcare, to serve the nation. He further added that the university also aims to make them eligible in UNICEF, hospitals or even run their own clinics.
Thomas Chandy, CEO of “Save the Children”, told the reporters that this kind of center would assure that the formative years of the child (from birth to 6 years) is not ruined. HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, while inaugurating the center, congratulated both JMI and “Save the Children” and said that the ministry would definitely come forward to provide its assistance to the project.
