SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today addressed the Orientation Programme for Capacity Building of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Aayas (helpers), organized at the J&K State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT), Bemina.
The event was jointly organized by J&K SCERT, the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), and UNICEF under the theme “Poshan, Pyaar Aur Parvarish – Nurturing Young Lives with Care.”
The programme was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Shantmanu; Director General School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo; Secretary JKBOSE, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh; Joint Directors of School Education, CEOs, ZEOs, representatives from UNICEF and JKASW, and Aayas from various parts of Kashmir, among other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena reaffirmed the Government’s firm commitment to strengthening foundational and early childhood education through inclusive, child-centered, and play-based learning approaches. She said the orientation programme marks a vital step toward enhancing the quality and reach of early education across Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the importance of early education, the Minister noted that it forms the cornerstone of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
“Early childhood care is the most formative stage in a child’s life. Our Government’s vision is to ensure that every child in Jammu and Kashmir receives quality early education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence,” she said.
Sakeena Itoo emphasized the Government’s broader vision to strengthen early childhood care and foundational education, underscoring the crucial role of well-trained and empathetic Aayas in ensuring the holistic development of all children, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Urging participants to make the most of the orientation, she encouraged Aayas to deepen their understanding of early education principles and child care practices. She lauded the dedication and qualifications of Aayas working in government institutions, emphasizing their contributions toward improving care, nutrition, and psychosocial support for young learners.
The Minister also commended the Aayas for their honesty and commitment, noting their important role in advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes early childhood education.
In his address, Additional Chief Secretary and Director SCERT, Shantmanu, praised the collaborative efforts of SCERT, JKASW, and UNICEF, describing the initiative as a testament to the department’s commitment to strengthening ECCE practices across J&K. He urged educators and caregivers to adopt innovative and inclusive teaching methods that reflect local culture, language, and community needs.
Earlier, Joint Director Education, Syed Shabir, in his welcome address, outlined the key objectives of the programme — enhancing participants’ understanding of ECCE concepts and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of ECCE Aayas.
The orientation sessions were facilitated by Babra Shabir (SCERT) and Ambreen Bashir (JKASW), focusing on improving Aayas’ knowledge and capacity to deliver quality early childhood care and education.
This orientation marks a significant milestone in advancing ECCE across Jammu and Kashmir. The partnership between the Government, JKASW, and UNICEF will expand opportunities for Aayas to access specialized training and resources, ultimately benefiting thousands of young learners from vulnerable backgrounds.
As part of the initiative, 65 Master Trainers have been trained across the Kashmir Division to cascade training to 3,000 Aayas at the DIET level across 10 districts. The first phase of the training will be conducted from November 3 to December 8, 2025. JKASW, with UNICEF’s support, will provide technical and logistical assistance throughout the training process.
