For 14-year-old Tara Mia *, the mandatory stay at the child development center may be a blessing in disguise, as it is impossible for boys awaiting trial or punishment at a child development center in the Tongi region on the outskirts of the Bangladeshi capital to cope with the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Although the center is run by the government's social services department, UNICEF assists in strengthening the case management system and ensuring minimum standards of child care and protection.
Formerly known as the Juvenile Correctional Center, the center is overcrowded, with more than 650 boys living in quarters for about 300 people.
Although physical distance is very important in preventing the spread of the virus, it is not a viable option. This center could be the ideal breeding ground for highly contagious coronaviruses, which can infect this center very quickly.
Shariful Islam, a psycho-social consultant at the center, which is run by UNICEF, said, “Boys are legally obliged to stay here. But we try not to make them feel like prisoners here, although as much freedom as they could enjoy here, it has been greatly reduced in order to protect them from the coronavirus.
The boys are worried when they see the news. But I tell them they are safer here than most people in the country and tell them to wash their hands properly and keep as much physical distance as possible. ”
Most of the boys here are teenagers and early teens, who are on trial in juvenile court, and only a handful of them are in solitary confinement.
Blessings in disguise
Explaining the need for physical distance and indoor distance during an epidemic, he joked: This place has set us apart.
We are not even allowed to meet family members. Mr. Islam said that after the first infection of Kovid-19 was confirmed in Bangladesh, the rule of isolation of boys was introduced in this center.
Boys are allowed to talk on the phone with their parents or family members, but they are not allowed to attend court hearings, and they are required to adhere to a long, hand-washing rule every time they move from one building to another.
Fighting frustration and insecurity
The social workers in charge of the center try to keep the boys busy as well as keep the health rules in order. The workings of the center were quite different until the training of UNICEF staff on special protection and care for children, including the provision of services and regulations to make the center significantly more child-friendly.
UNICEF provides vital counseling and social services to detained children, as well as life skills education in the centers, and helps adolescents to fully develop their potential by addressing various risks and challenges without fear of violence.
As part of a formal agreement with the Bangladesh Supreme Court, UNICEF provides technical assistance to improve child protection centers.
Reflects what has been taught, which provides him and his colleagues with knowledge of how to solve various problems.
“We try to keep their morale high. It is not uncommon for a boy, especially at such times, to become depressed, insecure, or violent. When we notice something like this, we talk to them personally.
“The strategy is to keep them busy. For example, during hour-long counseling sessions in the halls, I tell them to breathe slowly, concentrate, meditate, and practice muscle relaxation. These exercises and physical exercises work and can be done while maintaining physical distance. ”
Build resistance and confidence
It is important to ensure that children at risk in these anxious and precarious times feel safe, healthy and secure. Rehana Banu Munni, a social worker, was the first person most of the boys met after coming to the center. He is one of the three social workers working there.
“I formally accept them and open a file for each of them. Newcomers often tell us that they have not had contact with their family for years. ”
With very little information, if any, we look for their family members. ”
Miss Munni contacted lawyers to provide legal assistance to the boys. With the help of UNICEF, initiatives have been taken to review less serious cases pending in juvenile courts to find ways to release or bail out interned children. It also examines whether there is an opportunity to take advantage of the virtual court system.
Miss Munni said, “Most of the work is related to going out and traveling. However, these activities have stopped since the government told everyone to stay indoors. ”
But he thinks the good thing about the epidemic is that it gives him a great opportunity to get to know the boys better and teach them about good hygiene and physical distance. The center has recently introduced a system to ensure that newcomers are kept separate for the first 14 days.
Miss Munni said, “Meanwhile, more attention needs to be paid to those who are here. We must maintain discipline to ensure that they are safe. At the same time, we need to make sure that they do not panic. ”
The ultimate goal of this center is to rehabilitate the boys and either reunite them with their families or prepare them for the outside world.
To do. Ms. Munni said that since she has been able to stay connected to them for a long time in the crisis caused by Kovid-19, she is also getting extra time to build resistance and confidence among them in dealing with this difficult situation.