Municipality runs model child protection centre

BY YAGYA PRASAD SAPKOTA,Bardiya, July 15: Barbardiya Municipality's Child Protection Centre has become an beacon of hope for orphaned and at-risk children, offering not only shelter but also access to education and a chance at a better future.

Chandani Shah, a resident of Ward No. 3 in Khurkhure, faced severe hardships at an early age. Her father suffered from kidney failure, while her mother had a heart defect. Despite exhausting all family resources for treatment in Kathmandu, her father eventually passed away. The tragedy forced Chandani to drop out of school in Grade 4. But, her life took a turn for the better when local representatives brought her to the municipality-run ‘Child Protection Centre’. Thanks to the centre, Chandani resumed her education and recently passed the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). “If it weren’t for the shelter, I would never have been able to continue my studies,” she added.

A similar story belongs to Bipana BK from the same village. Her father passed away when she was young, and her mother remarried, leaving her in the care of her grandparents. With the family struggling financially, her education was about to end in Grade 3. However, she now lives at the shelter in Ward No. 11 and is studying in Grade 10.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Child Protection Centre has provided shelter to 38 children, primarily those without parents, from impoverished backgrounds or in high-risk situations. Currently, 15 children (five girls and 10 boys) reside there. The centre employs two caregivers, two security guards, and a warden to ensure proper care and safety.

Warden Krishnaram Chaudhary stated that 23 children have graduated from the centre, having either reached the age of 18, completed Grade 12, or been reunited with family. Of these, five passed Grade 12, while 10 left after turning 18.

Barbardiya Municipality holds the distinction of being the first municipality in Nepal to declare free and compulsory basic education. Chief Administrative Officer Tikanath Gosai said the centre was established to fulfil that vision by supporting children lacking parental care and those in vulnerable conditions. The shelter admits children under 18 based on referrals from locals, ward offices, and elected representatives after assessing their family situations.

Deputy Mayor Ratna Kumari Pandey shared that the municipality allocates an annual budget of Rs. 3 million for the centre and increases the amount if needed to ensure adequate food, clothing, educational materials, and overall management for the children.

The Barbardiya Child Protection Centre stands as a model for other municipalities, proving that thoughtful local governance can create real change in the lives of its most vulnerable residents.