A workshop collaboration with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS) and Catholic Care for Children Sri Lanka (CCCSL)
In a world rapidly transformed by technology, urbanization, and shifting family dynamics, the task of nurturing children has become both more complex and more critical. On 10 July 2025, a one-day workshop titled “Navigating Child Development and Child Care in the Contemporary World” was held in collaboration with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors ( CMRS) and the Catholic Care for Children Sri Lanka (CCCSL) The event brought together religious women and men as well as lay partners working in education and child care, to explore effective ways of supporting the holistic development of children today.
Objectives of the Workshop
The program was designed around four core objectives:
- Understanding the evolving developmental needs of children
- Fostering positive social development in a changing world
- Exploring practical strategies to address contemporary challenges
- Reviewing the legal framework surrounding child welfare and rights
Understanding the Evolving Developmental Needs
The opening session invited participants to reflect on the question, “How would you describe today’s child in one word?” This exercise sparked meaningful dialogue and highlighted the profound changes shaping modern childhood.
The discussion emphasized how technology, shifting family structures, and new social dynamics influence the four pillars of child development: physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual. Participants were encouraged to rethink their caregiving approaches through a series of activities, including a short video on generational shifts, table discussions on changing childhood experiences, and a case study of a child struggling with online learning.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
The second segment of the workshop focused on the growing stressors children face, such as:
- Mental health struggles and emotional dysregulation
- Family instability and trauma
- Digital addiction and overstimulation
- Academic pressure and reduced opportunities for unstructured play
Practical insights were shared on how to recognize early warning signs and how to serve as a supportive and stabilizing adult presence in children’s lives.
Fostering Positive Social Development
As digital platforms increasingly shape social interactions, the workshop emphasized guiding children toward building authentic and compassionate relationships. Discussions explored:
- Teaching empathy and emotional intelligence
- Balancing real-life and online friendships
- Embracing cultural, religious, and ability-based diversity
- Encouraging peaceful conflict resolution
Participants also reflected on the adults who influenced their own values during childhood, underscoring the lasting impact of caring mentors.
Child Safeguarding and Protection in the Sri Lankan Context
A dedicated session addressed child safeguarding with particular attention to Sri Lanka’s social and legal realities. The conversation reinforced that safeguarding extends beyond compliance to become a moral and professional responsibility. Topics included:
- Recognizing and responding to signs of abuse or neglect
- Creating safe environments in schools, homes, and institutions
- Legal obligations under Sri Lankan and international child protection frameworks
Participants were encouraged to see themselves not only as caregivers but as guardians of dignity, justice, and accountability.
Closing Reflections
The workshop concluded with an invitation for each participant to consider one concrete way they could be more present in the lives of the children they support. Shared reflections revealed renewed purpose, deeper awareness, and a strong commitment to nurturing holistic development.
Final Thoughts
The workshop served as more than a training session—it was a call to action. By attending to the developmental, emotional, and social needs of today’s children, caregivers and educators reaffirmed their role as co-creators of a more just, compassionate, and inclusive future. Organized by CMRS and coordinated by the CCCSL team, the event underscored that the heart of caregiving lies not only in knowledge, but also in presence—rooted in love, awareness, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
