Reading time: 5 min
Over the past month, all health workers and volunteer midwives have been trained on how to support women who are dependent on alcohol.
During the “SEE it” data collection conducted by our partner Just Nepal Foundation three years ago, three settlements in Helambu were identified as high-risk areas for children born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder*)
To prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a woman should avoid alcohol during her childbearing years. This is because when a woman in Helambu becomes pregnant, she usually doesn’t know it for the first few months. There are no supermarkets where you can buy cheap pregnancy tests…
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder occurs within the first few months of pregnancy. The first trimester is the most crucial for the baby’s development. The baby’s body structure and organ systems are developing during this period.
There is no cure or specific treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome. The physical defects and mental deficiencies (they are often hidden; many children look normal but have learning difficulties). Early intervention can help reduce some of the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome and may prevent some secondary disabilities.
Currently, a Stop Drinking—Your Baby Doesn’t Like It! campaign runs throughout Helambu.
Traditionally, the ethnic group drinks Tamang Chhaang (beer) for breakfast to keep warm. Children are often given chhaang mixed with their cereal from a very early age.
Last week, a forum theatre group began going from village to village to highlight the dangers of alcohol. The group uses theatre to achieve social change. They encouraged the audience to interact and explored different options for dealing with the problem of alcohol.
Danish award-winning artist Jan Oksbøl Callesen created two drawings for the campaign: a poster and a postcard with simple information on where to get support.
The poster, utterly different from the usual black-and-white ones found around the villages, aroused curiosity. It does its job well!
Structures and guidelines have been established in Helambu to support and utilize the knowledge gathered by the CPFTs. These include establishing a Child Rights Committee at the community level and developing a Helambu Child Rights Policy.
Child Protection Focal Teachers will act within these structures and regulations to prevent and respond to child neglect. Their role is to protect children from danger and prevent severe abuse. [1]
[1]
Some clarifying comments:
Neglect can occur because parents lack knowledge, are vulnerable or are in difficult situations. For example, a mother whose husband works abroad may be left alone with three children and no money. This can put so much pressure on her that she can’t take good care of the children. It’s not illegal, but it’s hard on the children and can cause them problems later in life.
Some situations that look like abuse may be due to sheer ignorance. A mother who lets her disabled child live with the cows may be doing it because she was never taught that it was wrong. She may be deeply religious, but without the support or information to understand why it harms the child. If she knows it’s bad, then it’s severe abuse.
Preventing serious abuse means intervening before the problem grows. Abuse rarely starts suddenly. It can begin with financial difficulties or relationship problems where one parent may start drinking. Over time, it can develop into violence, even against the children.
Often, the child shows signs of unhappiness long before it becomes severe. They may have difficulty concentrating, look sad, not do their homework and generally seem unhappy. This is where the teacher or other adults can make a difference. Talking to the child and, if necessary, contacting the parents can prevent the situation from escalating.
Prevention is also about being prepared for emergencies such as earthquakes or floods. If teachers and students know what to do, they can better protect children. They know where to gather and who to help children with special needs. Parents also know where to find their children.
The municipality of Helambu has designated safe places for each school. A child protection teacher knows all the details and must share this knowledge with teachers, students, and parents. Regular drills are practised and documented so everyone knows what to do if a dangerous situation arises.
