Bharati Kotwal, coordinator of Pune-based NGO Alochana's programme for child abuse victims, said: "These kinds of courses are welcome and people coming out of such courses can be used as first contact with the children and later can be trained as professionals in the field. They will be helpful for creating awareness in society with respect to child abuse."

The WSRC also found that there was a growing need for people in the field of childcare management in the country.

In 2000, a report by the Department of Women and Child Development of the Ministry of Human Resource Development had hinted at a need for 800,000 crèches in the country.

WSRC director Pratibha Joshi said: "Through our courses, people will get complete training on how to run a crèche, what all activities to include, and facilities and infrastructure to provide. This way we are promoting entrepreneurship among women."

Source-IANS
VEN/C