Latest Training Issues

Empowered Trainers Of ICDS Programme*

The present article is focusing on the importance of utilizing expertise of Trainers of Anganwadi Workers Training Centres( AWTCs) and Middle Level Training Centres( MLTCs) of Integrated Child Development Services Scheme ( ICDS ) being run in INDIA .The author has tried to explain that experience of Ex- Trainers having long years of training and field exposure should be utilised more to improve planning and implementation of programmes, field services , research and training related to welfare of people

Introduction

Since independence a number of initiatives have been taken by the Government of India, State Governments and Voluntary sectors to improve health and nutritional status of people in general and children in particular. One such initiative is Integrated Child Development Services( ICDS) scheme .ICDS a centrally sponsored scheme was launched on 2nd October 1975 in 33 projects with the broad objective of holistic development of children. The specific objectives of the scheme are physical, psychosocial, cognitive and emotional development of young children under six years of age.It is implemented by state governments and union territories of government of India and has now become the words largest and unique outreach flagship programme. The services provided under the scheme at the community level are supplementary nutrition, immunization, health checkups, referral services and non formal preschool education also known as early childhood care and development ECCD). From 33 projects and 4,891 Anganwadi centres the scheme has expanded to 7,075 projects and 13.55 lakhs Anganwadi centres (as on 31 March 2017). It also focuses on the maternal care and acknowledging several gaps and challenges. The scheme is now being implemented in a mission mode by strengthening the services at the field level and training of its functionaries namely Child Development Project Officers , Supervisors and Anganwadi Workers . The Anganwadi worker is a grass root level worker and the Supervisor is a middle level functionary who is responsible for monitoring and supervision of the services at the Anganwadi level .The Child Development Project Officer ( CDPO) is in charge of one whole ICDS project.

Training Of ICDS Functionaries

It is a well known fact that effective implementation of any programme besides other factors, also depends on quality of training of its personnel who are directly delivering field services. ICDS programme also depends to a considerable extent on regular and quality training of its functionaries. As the planners in the beginning only had recognised the importance of training of functionaries, a planned training infrastructure was setup in the beginning of the implementation of scheme.

Role of NIPCCD

NIPCCD as an apex body for training of ICDS functionaries is entrusted with the responsibilities of planning, coordination and monitoring of training; revision and standardization of training syllabi; and organisation of Trainer’s Training. The training programmes varies in duration from three days to 26 working days for different project functionaries .The type of courses include job training , refresher courses , induction training , skill training and e-learning .While the training of Child Development Project officers is the sole responsibility of NIPCCD , the training of Supervisors is imparted by Middle Level Training Centres MLTCs) of ICDS . Training of Anganwadi workers is organised by Anganwadi Workers Training Centre (AWTCs). A brief description of nature of training imparted to different functionaries is as below;

ICDS Scheme

The Integrated Child Development Services Scheme launched in 1975  is globally recognized as a community based programme, which addresses  the basic interrelated   needs of young children, adolescent girls and expectant and nursing mothers – across the life cycle in  an holistic manner .It is  a powerful instrument for ensuring equality of opportunity to present and future generations of the underprivileged by breaking an intergenerational cycle of multiple deprivations : under nutrition, illiteracy ,gender and other forms of discrimination and poverty.

Objectives

The main objectives of the ICDS Scheme are:           

Focus of CDPOs training is mainly on administration, management and supervision of the whole ICDS project. Emphasis is given on supervisory skills, and continuing education of AWWs and Helpers in the training of Supervisors. Anganwadi Workers training has more time devoted to developing tasks and skills that they are expected to do in their anganwadi centres .

A combination of theory, practicals , field visits, placements and observational visits is used to cover contents of training. Additional courses are also planned from time to time as per need according to latest and emerging developments.

Other personnel / officers involved in the implementation of the ICDS programme at the State and UT level are also provided Orientation and Refresher training from time to time on ICDS and other related themes.

Training Of Trainers of ICDS functionaries (TOT)

Trainers of AWTCs / MLTCs are imparted training to orient and enhance their knowledge about latest developments and to improve their training and managing skills. Training of Instructors of MLTCs/AWTCs is provided by NIPCCD at its Headquarters and Regional Centres. Two types of programmes are organised for them; Initial Orientation Training and Refresher Programmes. There is also provision of online and skill based training for continuing education of Instructors. In addition to these, orientation courses for Instructors are conducted on latest and new initiatives. Based on the experiences of the field workers and trainers and emerging challenges/ developments , training syllabi are modified/ revised from time to time .Trainers are also given opportunity for exposure visits to different States/UTs every year to have an idea about the functioning of ICDS projects and training Centres in other regions . They learn about new/ better ways of training and management through these visits.

Middle Level Training Centres and Anganwadi Workers Training Centres have two category of Instructors; full time and part time. Three full time Instructors for training are appointed as per the qualifications prescribed by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The senior most Instructor with a minimum of three years experience in the MLTC and AWTC is designated as Principal or Chief Instructor to coordinate day today functioning of the Training Centre . Government of India. The Instructor for child development component is required to possess masters degree in home science / human development / psychology/ education (ECCD). Nutrition Instructor should have masters’ degree in home science / food and nutrition. The Instructor in social work should be post graduate in extension education / community resource management / social work / sociology or human development. Age of superannuation for Instructors / principal of MLTCs/ AWTCs is at the discretion of the parent body and concerned state governments.

Following paragraphs will give a brief idea about the range of duties and responsibilities of Trainers of MLTCs and AWTCS:

The main task of ICDS instructor is planning, coordination and monitoring of training programmes. Subtasks can be divided as below:

  1. Assessing training needs of ICDS functionaries in consultation with their State Governments, Child Development Project Officers, nodal and other concerned officials dealing with ICDS programme, and Ministry of Women and Child Development. Necessary modifications (if required) are made in the programme schedule according to profile of trainees and their exposure and experience. It is ensured that the programmes are organised as per the annual training calendar planned in the beginning of each year. It is also ensured that training is in accordance with the norms and guidelines prescribed by Government of India and State Governments.
  2. Liaison with the state governments for supply of training equipments, support / background material, timely release of funds and related issues.
  3. Preparing training / communication material in English / Hindi or in regional languages.
  4. Taking both theory and practical sessions using innovative training techniques and supervising field work /field visits / placement during the training programmes.
  5. Briefing and providing necessary support to external resource persons about the sessions to be taken by them.
  6. Planning and monitoring visits of trainees to nearby AWCs of ICDS projects for field practice at the community level in consultation with concerned supervisors, CDPOs and state officials.
  7. Preparing checklists for observational visits / supervised practice during training followed by detailed discussions and preparation of field work report.
  8. Assessing each trainee continuously in the class during sessions as also in the end of each course. Both theoretical as well as practical knowledge and skills are assessed through observations, and verbal and written assignments.
  9. Preparing course report of each programme organised at training centre indicating profile of the trainees, training sessions, speakers, field work / placement and evaluation of knowledge and skills of the trainees. Report is sent to the concerned departments for information.
  10. Establishing linkages with concerned state governments , National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development ( NIPCCD ) and Ministry of Women and Child Development( MWCD) to update them about the activities of the training centre .
  11. Other related tasks are also undertaken by them from time to time as per requirements recent developments.

From the above paragraphs, we can understand that the Trainers of ICDS get a vast range of exposure and experience that helps them gain field related knowledge .They also develop a number of skills which can summarised as below:

  1. Skills in organising training programmes: Planning, Coordination and Monitoring.
  2. Ensuring smooth administration at the centre, maintaining classroom and hostel arrangements.
  3. Dealing and managing a large group of around 35-40 women trainees; Supervisors / AWWs / Helpers .
  4. skills in teaching, conducting class room practicals , checking assignments , and supervising field work.
  5. Communication skills in Hindi, English or/ and in any local or regional language.
  6. Reading and Writing skills in Hindi, English, regional / local language.
  7. Observational and Interpretational skills that develops over the years in dealing with women trainees year after year.
  8. Knowledge and understanding about the demography, resources, problems and difficulties causing development work in their area.
  9. Awareness about various good and bad social practises.
  10. Knowledge about welfare schemes and programmes being run in their area and its impact on people.
  11. Skills of developing linkages with various institutions like medical colleges, home science colleges, schools of social work , voluntary organisations and various government departments.
  12. Skills in dealing with diverse groups like local village leaders, government officials , field workers , panchayat members , women of all age groups , youth groups and school teachers .
  13. Information about various small and large scale national and international agencies and services being provided by them.

How experience and knowledge of Ex Trainers can be utilized;

INTEREST, CALIBRE , MOTIVATION , WILLINGNESS AND AVAILABLE TIME WILL DETERMINE PARTICIPATION , CONTRIBUTION AND INVOLVEMENT OF EX- TRAINERS IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.

SOME SUGGESTIONS ARE GIVEN BELOW;

  1. Developing proposals for survey / research studies ,formulating interview , observation and other questionnaires /schedules to study health and nutritional status and to assess other related emerging social issues .
  2. Evaluation of nutrition, health, education and other field based programmes being run by government and voluntary agencies.
  3. In India after every few km there is change in dialect, cultural practices, traditions and social customs. The biggest strength of ICDS trainers is that they have good knowledge and understanding about these aspects of their areas .Trainers can be involved in developing successful case studies on various themes like women empowerment , child education , health ,nutrition and other social issues.
  4. Taking classes on topics like child development, child education, health and nutrition, personal and environmental sanitation, women empowerment , preparing training and educational material and developing play material for children ,
  5. Helping concerned departments and agencies in developing both print and electronic communication and advocacy material in Hindi, English and local languages.
  6. Guiding preparation of local and indigenous play material like puppets, toys, compilation of folk songs and folk arts and local games.
  7. Planning and /or organising need based welfare schemes for their area.
  8. Acting as consultants in planning and organising training programmes, seminars, workshops and meetings and campaigns in the field of their expertise .

Agencies and organisations that can utilise expertise of Trainers;

* Nirmal Tikku , Ex Deputy Director NIPCCD, August 2018