May 14, 2025 | Kathmandu — In a significant step toward enhancing the quality of care provided in its safer homes, Saathi organized a one-day practical training on Positive Parenting and Child Participation at the Boys’ Safer Home. The interactive session was facilitated by renowned child rights activist and psychologist, Ms. Manita Dharal, and attended by 28 committed staff members from all four Saathi safer homes across the country.
The training aimed to strengthen the caregivers’ capacity to nurture children in safe, respectful, and participatory environments. Participants explored children’s developmental needs and behavioral patterns across age groups—from toddlers to teenagers—and learned how to respond appropriately at each stage.
Ms. Dharal emphasized that discipline should be used as a positive guidance tool, not as punishment. She explained that understanding the emotional and psychological reasons behind children’s behavior is key to building trust and promoting healthy development.
For example:
- Children aged 1–5: Caregivers learned to respond with patience, offer gentle guidance, and understand early emotional expression.
- Children aged 6–12: Staff were encouraged to use positive reinforcement and engage in supportive conversations instead of reprimanding mistakes.
- Adolescents aged 13–18: The focus was on maintaining respectful communication and involving youth in decision-making processes, while also setting healthy boundaries.
“Child participation doesn’t mean children make every decision,” said Ms. Dharal. “It means we listen to them, understand their opinions, and involve them meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.”
Moving forward, Saathi will integrate these insights across all its safer homes through:
- Monthly dialogue sessions with children and staff
- Regular child participation forums, including child advisory groups
- Ongoing reflection and peer-learning among caregivers on parenting practices
This training reflects Saathi’s continued commitment to creating nurturing environments where children are not only protected but also heard, respected, and empowered to thrive.
