During 2017-18, CMC’s Rural Unit of Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) implemented a new school program for girls in five schools. Nearly 700 girls aged 14-15 benefited from four sessions which covered menstrual and reproductive health, relationship and career guidance. Following its success, this program has been expanded to all government schools in the local area and includes boys also. RUHSA is developing a training module for the teachers so they are equipped to deliver the material themselves.
Adolescence, the period of development between childhood and adulthood, is a challenging time when major life decisions are taken. The project aims to educate and empower young people to discuss the issues they are facing and lower the suicide rate in this vulnerable group.
The school-based sessions include physiological change and reproductive health, relationships with peers and family, and life coping skills, including problem solving, coping strategies, time management and decision making.
A three-day summer camp was conducted at RUHSA Campus in May 2022. A total of 66 children aged between 3 and 18 years from RUHSA campus (staff children) and from the neighbouring villages attended the camp. The topics included Rights of Children, Interpersonal Skills and Life Coping Skills. There were sessions on healthy eating, nutrition, and physical fitness, arts and crafts. A puppet show helped to communicate some of the key messages. All the children received a health check up including eye and dental screening. The camp helped students improve their learning, imagination and develop social skills, whilst promoting inclusivity.
A similar two-day summer camp was conducted at Kamarajarpuram village. Kamarajapuram was one of the villages which were severely affected by the Palar River Floods in 2021. 78 children from 6 to 16 years along with 8 community volunteers participated in the camp. The camp focused in play-based learning and encouraged children to bring out their talents through songs, craft work and dance.
In addition to the school-based program RUHSA is providing counselling services and career guidance sessions for young people. One-on-one, need-based counselling for adolescents and family members is available at RUHSA with a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or nutritionist. The career guidance sessions help the young people to select and pursue a career. They are given help to complete forms and apply for grants. Career guidance is also provided for those interested in applying for courses run by CMC Vellore (including nursing and allied health courses). A half day coaching session for completing the CMC entrance test was conducted in June 2022.
Friends of Vellore sent a grant of £1926 to cover the costs of this programme in 2023.
Friends of Vellore UK 