Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU), the world's largest distance-learning university, has launched new programs in nutritional sciences in the GCC region. Professor Deeksha Kapur from the School of Continuing Education at IGNOU delivered a lecture at the Women's College Auditorium in Dubai recently, announcing the programs. All the coordinators from IGNOU'S Gulf offices were present on the occasion. Members of DXN, the Malaysia-based health and beauty products' company, have alread enrolled for a Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE) and Certificate in Nutrition (CFN) programs. Kapur remarked that the main objective of these programs is to impart basic knowledge related to nutrition and health, as well as to train learners in imparting this knowledge to the community at large. IGNOU offers focused education, skill development, training and capacity building activities in the area of Nutrition through the following programs: Certificate Program in Food and Nutrition As an initiative for individual and community capacity-building in the area of nutrition, IGNOU has launched a post-literacy level Certificate Program in Food and Nutrition. This is basically an awareness level program lasting six months, targeted at people with basic reading and writing skills. It aims to acquaint the learner with the role of food in ensuring healthy living for the individual, family and community. Integrated Child Development Scheme Another innovative initiative in capacity-building relates to a special project of training grass-root level workers in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), a unique child welfare program launched by the Indian Government. Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education The Diploma Program (DNHE) is a holistic package, which provides opportunities to the learner to gain knowledge about nutrition and public health. It also enables the student to develop skills in communicating nutrition and health related information to community. The aim is to develop a knowledge base in areas of nutrition and public health, promote awareness about concepts and principles in communication and develop skills in playing the role of nutrition/health educators in the community. Certificate Program in Food Safety (CFS) IGNOU, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Indian government, has launched this professional program in the area of food safety and quality that integrates education and training and addresses the needs of training the workforce/developing manpower in this sector. The program focuses on upgrading knowledge and enrichment in the area of food safety. Certificate Program in Nutrition and Child Care (CNCC) This program is of tremendous relevance and use to all those who need to have the knowledge, understanding and skills, both with regard to Nutrition and Child Development. Combining knowledge and skill development in these areas would make the learners uniquely qualified to take up jobs as functionaries with government and non-government organizations working for women and children and starting their own food service unit, or a preschool center/crèche for children leading to entrepreneurship MSc in Dietetics and Food Service Management This program has been developed with a view to address the needs of training work force/ developing manpower (dietitians, nutrition counselors, food service managers etc.) for the emerging employment sector – hospital/ community dietetics, food service management. Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition An urgent need for a focused course design in the area of Pediatric Nutrition was felt to address the nutritional needs of children amongst health care providers – imparting knowledge, upgrading their knowledge, skills and improving their professional competencies. The professional and career oriented modules will integrate education and training and upgrade knowledge of healthcare practitioners, nutritionist and other stakeholders.
