Paralegal training prog empowers marginalised communities in JH

JOWAI, Nov 24: Focus was laid on the legal empowerment of marginalised communities during a transformative training programme held from November 21 to 24 at the Samanlang Socio-Cultural Pastoral Centre in Jowai.
Organised by Social Action for Human Rights (SAFHR) in collaboration with Manos Unidas, Spain, and the Labour and Migrant Commission of the Jowai Diocese, the event trained 51 participants from West and East Jaintia Hills districts.
The attendees, including social workers, village elders and students, were equipped with knowledge of legal rights, welfare schemes and advocacy skills to support underprivileged groups.
The programme was inaugurated by West Jaintia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Ferdinand B. Basan.
During the programme, Bishop of the Diocese of Jowai, Ferdinand Dkhar, emphasised the significance of legal literacy in fostering community empowerment.
Topics covered during the training programme included child protection laws, legal aid systems, Right to Information (RTI) Act and welfare schemes such as MGNREGA.
During the programme, speakers, namely Advocate Rimaya Manar, Advocate Jimmy Pdang, and Sr. Shobha KP delivered comprehensive sessions on human rights, the Indian criminal justice system and social security programmes.
It may be mentioned that the initiative was aimed to strengthen advocacy at the grassroots level, empowering communities within the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council to navigate legal systems effectively and access vital welfare support.