UNICEF
Collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan
PTA signed MoU with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on March 28th, 2023. Under this MoU, PTA became part of UNICEF global “Disrupting Harm Programme” on COP and Pakistan has become 12th country to be conducting this Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) survey. This survey will help in developing COP strategies, policies and targeted awareness campaigns. Furthermore, designed awareness static COP posters and disseminated through SM guiding users about safe and responsible use of internet & parents to play their role in preventing their children against online risks/hazards. The campaign reached 24M views in just 2 weeks PTA allocated the emergency number 1121 to provincial organizations dealing with Child Protection.
Train the Trainer Program with UNICEF
Parents having a key role in safeguarding children from online risks, however, usually parents demonstrate lack of awareness w.r.t online dangers being exposed to children hence not adopting related measures. PTA while realizing the fact has designed “Train the Trainer” program in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan as only digitally literate parents & teachers can better guide/support their children in developing essential skills in handling online risks/dangers. This multiplier effect will have a significant impact on creating a safer online environment for children and promoting responsible internet usage by children. Master Trainers, after being trained will be required to train more trainers so as to ensure maximum reach. Pilot trainings has been successfully commenced in the cities of Islamabad, Lahore and D.I Khan. Following successful pilot trainings, a 10-day training programme for master trainers was organized in Islamabad from August 1-10, 2024. The training focused on the use of manuals exclusively developed for adolescents and caregivers. These master trainers will subsequently train 210 facilitators, who will then extend this vital training to children, parents, and teachers at the community and school levels. The ToT programme marked a significant step towards making every child and parent digitally literate so that children can thrive in a safer digital environment.
Train the Trainer Program with UNICEF – For Partners
PTA launched a four-day “Training of Trainers” (ToT) program for officials from PTA, UNICEF, Telenor Pakistan, the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), and the NCERT. The program aimed to enhance awareness of the online risks children encounter and equip officials with strategies to help parents manage their children’s digital activities safely. It is part of a broader 10-day training initiative for 15 master trainers, who will subsequently train 210 facilitators to educate students, parents, and teachers about digital literacy and online safety. Key topics covered in the training included online safety, threats from the Dark Web, and responsible internet usage. Experts from TikTok and Tencent provided valuable insights into safety tools and practices available on their platforms.
During the training, Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member Compliance & Enforcement PTA, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard children in the digital realm. He reaffirmed the PTA’s commitment to equipping parents and educators with the necessary resources to ensure children’s online safety and promote responsible internet use. Certificates were awarded to participants by representatives from PTA, UNICEF, and Telenor.
Train the Trainer Program with UNICEF – For PTA Employees
Islamabad (November 7, 2024): Demonstrating its commitment to employee welfare and family support, PTA, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, Telenor, and social media tech companies, carried out a three-day specialized workshop on "Child Online Protection”. The comprehensive training offered insights from prominent leaders at global organizations, including UNICEF Pakistan, ECI, Microsoft, Google, Meta, TikTok, Tencent, and Telenor. Key topics covered included online safety resources for parents and educators, Microsoft's tools for online protection, the impact of generative Al on child safety, safe gaming practices, and Meta's approach to creating a safer online environment. The initiative aimed to make internet a better and safer world for everyone.
The program concluded with closing remarks from the Chairman PTA Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, he reaffirmed, the organizations steadfast commitment to empowering its employees with essential skills for online protection. Together, we are building a secure and informed digital future for our children.
