Programs
- M. Tech. in Automotive Engineering -Postgraduate
- International Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Fellowship Program 1 Year -International, Fellowship
In August, Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp spike in conjunctivitis cases, with thousands reported in a single district alone, alongside a noticeable rise in chickenpox cases in Indupur and neighboring villages. In response, the Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE) trained Community Facilitator (CO) Harjinder, conducted a series of targeted Life Enrichment Education (LEE) and health awareness sessions in Indupur village.
Focusing on the needs of school-going children, Harjinder led interactive classroom sessions across two government schools. Over 68 students participated, learning about the symptoms, transmission, and practical prevention methods for both eye flu and chickenpox. Key messages included maintaining personal hygiene, minimizing close contact during outbreaks, and seeking timely medical intervention. These sessions not only helped address an immediate health concern but also built foundational awareness for long-term health resilience in the community.
In another initiative to promote behavioral change, CO Harjinder was invited by Government Primary School of Indupur to conduct a practical handwashing session with 50 children. A short video demonstrated the 7 steps of proper handwashing, followed by an interactive discussion on when and why it’s important to wash hands, particularly before meals. The session built the foundation for adopting hygiene as a daily habit, not just a one-time activity.
After addressing hygiene-related behavior change, the school requested a session on child safety, focusing on “Good Touch and Bad Touch.” This session was particularly relevant given the growing national concern around child sexual abuse (CSA). According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Himachal Pradesh reported over 180 cases of child sexual offences under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act in 2022 alone. This reflects both increased reporting and the urgent need for preventive education.
Students were encouraged to speak up if they ever felt unsafe and were guided on how to identify and report inappropriate behavior. Before leading these sessions, our Community Organizers receive guidance and training from CWEGE’s Regional Manager as well as local Primary Health Centres (PHCs). This ensures that the content delivered is both sensitive and accurate. By building awareness early, the initiative helped children become messengers of health and hygiene in their communities.
Engagement Overview
