Punjab Human Capital Investment Project, an initiative of Punjab Social Protection Authority, under its Bunyad program, launched training sessions for Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) across 11 districts in Southern Punjab.

This training focuses on the process of classroom repair, renovation and décor in Government schools in line with Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE). Here, 1000 AEOs are being trained on taking the necessary precautions for structural stability while adhering to environmental and social safety principles.

These training sessions were initiated from Bahawalnagar, where 135 AEOs participated. ECCE Planning Specialist Dr. Khalid Mahmood Qamar PMIU-SED-PHCIP was also present on this occasion. The sessions opened with an introductory discussion by Field Officer Mr. Hafiz Saqib Mehmood and District Education Officers. The training of the AEOs was focused on the repair and renovation of designated ECCE classrooms, while emphasizing the need to take the necessary precautions for structural stability.

Ms. Ayman Raza, Consultant Engineer PMIU, imparted important technical information in this training. Simultaneously, Mr. Qamar Mumtaz, Database Analyst, introduced the ArcGIS Survey123 software to participants and spoke on uploading structural stability data, guiding them on how to access and use this software on the internet.

Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist (ESSS) Mr. Nusrat Tufail Gill PMIU-SED-PHCIP gave a training on the implementation of the School Councils agreement. According to this agreement, great emphasis has been placed on close monitoring of the renovation and upliftment of ECCE classrooms and the implementation of environmental and social security principles.

Further in the training, Environmental Assistant Ms. Maimoona Ashraf taught participants about monitoring and uploading safeguard compliance data on the ArcGIS-Survey123 software.

During the training, the participants were also informed about the PSPA-PHCIP Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM), and were given a one-page handout in this regard. Healthcare and Education complaint mechanisms have also been included in the PSPA-PHCIP Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM).

The participants were informed that the PSPA Helpline 1221 will be officially launched in October 2022. The training participants were guided about ensuring gender equality and empowering women through inclusion as part of the PHCIP policy.

It was made clear to the Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) that the Government of Punjab has taken several measures for the protection of women, such as the Protection of Women from Assault and Violence Act 2010, which includes protection from harassment and assault, as well as harassment at places of work or employment. Those affected can seek help from the Punjab Women Commission Women’s Helpline 1043.

Training of AEOS has been completed in the districts of Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur; the remaining trainings will be conducted in the remaining districts by the end of October 2022.