Non-Profit /NGO .Since 2010, We Are Working In Water Sanitation Hygiene ,Menstrual Hygiene,Gender Equality,Health,Education,Environment & Livelihood Projects. Volunteer /Internship/Student Study Tour Travel Program Is Open All Round The Year . Email : communications@heeals.org
Whatss app :+91-7982316660
Peer Pressure: How Friends Shape Who We Are- Deepika It is said that we are the average of the five most closest people surrounding us. Hence you can say our friends shape us and we feel the need to keep up with them due to so called 'Peer pressure'. Peer pressure is a big deal—it’s all about how our friends influence us and how we fit in with our social circles. From teenage years all the way into adulthood, our friends have a huge impact on the decisions we make and even how we view ourselves.
At its heart, peer pressure is about fitting in and going along with what your friends are doing. Think of it like this: you might try something new or act a certain way just because everyone around you is doing it. This could mean trying out smoking or drinking, or even just dressing a certain way to match your friends.
One of the not-so-great sides of peer pressure is when it leads to risky behavior, like trying drugs or doing things that could get you in trouble. Sometimes, the fear of not being accepted can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do. It’s like feeling pressured to act a certain way just to be part of the group.
But not all peer pressure is bad. Sometimes, friends encourage us to do good things, like study hard or get involved in activities that make us better version of ourselves. Positive peer pressure can push us to achieve more, stay healthy, and help out in our communities.
Navigating peer pressure isn’t always easy. It takes knowing who you are and what you stand for. Building confidence in yourself helps you make choices that are right for you, even when your friends might be doing something different.
Parents, teachers, and mentors also play a big role in helping us handle peer pressure. They can give us advice, listen when we need to talk, and help us build our confidence. Learning to speak up for ourselves and think for ourselves is super important in dealing with peer pressure.
It’s also cool to have friends with different interests and backgrounds. Being around people who think differently can help us see things from new angles and make better decisions. Plus, having a diverse group of friends means you’re less likely to feel pressured to act a certain way just to fit in.
In the end, peer pressure shapes a lot of who we become. It can be a positive force, pushing us to do great things, or it can lead us down paths we might regret. By knowing ourselves, staying true to our values, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can handle peer pressure like champs. It’s all about finding the balance between fitting in and staying true to who we are.
Junk food refers to highly processed
foods that are typically high in calories, sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in
essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These foods are often
convenient, inexpensive, and readily available, making them a popular choice
for many people. Common examples of junk food include fast food items like
burgers, fries, as well as packaged snacks like chips, candies, and
sugary drinks.
Consequences of Consuming Junk Food:
1.PhysicalHealthEffects:
·Weight Gain and Obesity: Junk food is often high in calories and
unhealthy fats, leading to weight gain and obesity when consumed regularly.
Excess weight increases the risk of developing chronic conditions such as type
2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
·Nutritional Deficiencies: Junk food is typically low in essential
nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are important for
maintaining overall health. Regular consumption of junk food can lead to
nutritional deficiencies, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk
of infections and other health problems.
·Digestive Issues: Many junk foods contain additives,
preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can disrupt digestion and cause
gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. The lack of
fiber in junk food also contributes to constipation and other digestive issues.
2.MentalHealthEffects:
·Mood Swings: The high levels of sugar and unhealthy
fats in junk food can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to mood
swings, irritability, and fatigue. These fluctuations can also affect
concentration and cognitive function, making it difficult to focus and perform
tasks effectively.
·Depression and Anxiety: Research suggests that a diet high in
junk food may increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
Poor nutrition can impact neurotransmitter levels in the brain, affecting mood
regulation and contributing to mental health problems.
·Addiction: Junk food, particularly foods high in
sugar and salt, can trigger the brain's reward system, leading to cravings and
addictive behavior. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of overeating and
dependence on unhealthy foods, further compromising physical and mental
well-being.
3.CognitiveImpairment:
·Reduced Brain Function: High intake of junk food has been
linked to cognitive impairment and decreased brain function. The lack of
essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants in
junk food can impair cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and
decision-making.
·Increased Risk of Neurological Disorders: Some studies suggest that a diet rich in junk food may increase the
risk of developing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and
dementia later in life. The inflammatory and oxidative stress caused by
unhealthy food choices may contribute to the progression of these conditions.
4.BehavioralProblems:
·Hyperactivity and Poor Attention: Junk food,
especially those containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, has
been associated with hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children. These additives may disrupt neurotransmitter function in
the brain, leading to behavioral problems and difficulty concentrating.
·Aggression and Irritability: A diet high in
junk food has been linked to increased aggression, irritability, and behavioral
problems in both children and adults. The excessive consumption of sugary and
processed foods can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, exacerbating mood
swings and aggressive behavior.
5.SocialandEmotionalImpact:
·Social Isolation: Individuals who frequently consume junk
food may experience social isolation and feelings of alienation. Unhealthy
eating habits can lead to low self-esteem, body image issues, and reluctance to
engage in social activities, impacting overall quality of life and well-being.
·Guilt and Shame: Many people experience feelings of
guilt and shame after indulging in junk food, especially if they are trying to
maintain a healthy lifestyle or manage their weight. These negative emotions
can contribute to disordered eating patterns and a cycle of binge eating and
restriction.
6.Long-TermHealthConsequences:
·Chronic Diseases: The cumulative effects of consuming
junk food over time can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such
as hypertension, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The combination of poor
nutrition, inflammation, and oxidative stress contributes to the development
and progression of these conditions.
·Shortened Lifespan: Studies have shown that a diet high in
junk food is associated with a shorter lifespan and decreased overall life
expectancy. The negative impact on physical health, coupled with the effects on
mental well-being, can significantly reduce quality of life and longevity.
More than 40% of
people suffer from obesity and it is just a number of one problem that junk
food caused. The consequences of
consuming junk food extend beyond physical health to encompass cognitive
function, behavior, and emotional well-being. By recognizing the harmful
effects of junk food and making conscious choices to prioritize nutritious
foods, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their mental and
physical health for the long term.
To help people with any
problems you can join us or donate. We are HEEALS andwe believe that by
starting small and working with one community at a time, we
can begin to make changes that will spread gradually throughout India, all the
while working hard to create and maintain a self-sustaining society.
Email : communications@heeals.org
whats app: +91-7981316660
written by volunteer-coordinator Kenenbaeva Janyl.
Mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act,
and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Various types of mental illnesses exist, displaying a range of intensities and
severity. They can be categorized into common mental disorders and more severe
mental conditions. Mental health disorders encompass a spectrum, spanning from
psychosis—indicative of chemical imbalances in the body—to neurosis—stemming
from inadequate attitudinal learning during the developmental or formative
years.
Common Mental Health Illnesses include:
Depression1
Anxiety/Phobias
EatingDisorders
Stress
Severe Mental Health Illnesses Include:
Schizophrenia
Bipolardisorder
(Manicdepression)
Clinicaldepression
Suicidaltendency
Personalitydisorder
Statistics indicate
that 20% of the population experiences symptoms associated with mental health
disorders. Half of these conditions manifest by the age of 14, with 75%
emerging by the age of 24. Mental health problems can be influenced by a
variety of factors. The interplay between the mind, body, and environment
contributes to the development of psychological disorders. Some of these factors
include persistent and prolonged stress, biological elements, substance abuse
and overdose, cognitive patterns like persistent negative thoughts and low
energy, as well as social issues such as financial difficulties, relationship
breakdowns, and social isolation.
The discourse around
mental health in India is still relatively recent, and persistent myths and
taboos surround the subject. As per the National Health program administered by
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 6% of Kerala's population grapples
with mental disorders, while one in every five individuals experiences
emotional and behavioral issues. The country is home to a staggering 60 to 70
million people facing both common and severe mental disorders. Disturbingly,
India holds the unfortunate title of being the world's suicide capital, with an
alarming 2.6 lakh cases reported annually. According to World Health
Organization (WHO) statistics, the average suicide rate in India stands at 10.9
per lakh people.
According to the data
problems related to mental health are stigma. There are a lot of factors . The
main ones are :
1 Lack of
help. Due to fact that people can not afford specialists they are not
able to get treatment.The treatment given by government or free
treatments are not enough. We have limited workers and
Places where to go .
2 Mentality. Most of the people do not take
mental problems seriously and as a result their mental
Health will get worse.
3 Individuals
suffering from mental illnesses face a significant hurdle as insurance
companies typically do not offer medical coverage for hospital admissions
related to mental health conditions. For some, access to quality hospitals is
unattainable due to this limitation. Effective treatment can be expensive, and
the absence of insurance coverage further compounds the challenge, making it
even more difficult for individuals to afford the necessary care.
This factors can lead
to bigger problems . For example, not treated depression among females can lead
to of low birth weight and preterm birth.
That is why our team
is putting every effort to solve this problem . You can donate or join us to
make this world better.
JoinHEEALS .We believe that by
starting small and working with one community at a time, we
can begin to make changes that will spread gradually throughout India, all the
while working hard to create and maintain a self-sustaining society. We
aim to facilitate the fulfilment of the millennium development goals, set out
by the United Nations, by ensuring that every household in India has unimpeded
access to proper WASH facilities.
Email : communications@heeals.org
whats app: +91-7981316660
written by volunteer-coordinator
Kenenbaeva Janyl.
According to the Mayo Clinic, iron-deficiency anemia is a condition caused by having an insufficient amount of iron in your body. This deficiency causes your body to not be able to produce enough hemoglobin-a protein that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin is important because all of our organs need oxygen to function! Without hemoglobin carrying oxygen around the body, our organs would never get the oxygen that they need.
According to Healthline, if you suffer from menorrhagia (heavy periods), you may also suffer from anemia. If you lose more blood than your body can produce on your period, your body will have a deficient amount of iron from which it can utilize. Therefore, your body won’t be able to produce enough hemoglobin, resulting in a deficiency of oxygenated blood. Basically, period-induced anemia can cause iron-deficiency anemia (there are many factors that may cause period-induced anemia; like diet).
How Can You Increase the Amount of Iron Your Body Has?
According to Healthline, there are many ways, including:
1. Eat more iron! Though you can take iron supplements, there are many
foods that have a high amount of iron. This includes red meats, turkey,
spinach, and legumes.
2. Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C! This is because Vitamin C helps
your body absorb iron. Your body being able to absorb iron is very
important because if it can’t absorb the iron, it can’t make hemoglobin
from it. Some foods that are high in Vitamin C include: broccoli,
oranges, and kale.
3. If you drink coffee or tea, try to avoid it at meal times. This is because
they make it harder for your body to absorb the iron that it gets from
the food you eat.
Sources.
“Anemia Period: Can Menstruation Cause Anemia?” Healthline, 11 Nov. 2020,
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We Request To All The People To Help and Support Our Work .
Please Donate / Support Us In Anyway You Can. Spread Share Support #HEEALS Donation Details Are Below:
Dropout because of non available of water sanitation hygiene in India
India's water and sanitation crisis:
Out of its population
of 1.3 billion people, 91 million people (6% of the population) lack access to
safe water, and 746 million people (54%) lack access to safely managed
household sanitation facilities. Current challenges include extreme water
stress, contaminated surface water and lack of access to piped water supply.
The effects from climate change like droughts and rising sea levels also affect
access to safe water and sanitation for families in India.
These factors,
combined with the current initiative by the Government of India to provide tap
water connections to every household by 2024, have created unprecedented
urgency to implement effective solutions to increase access to safe water and
sanitation.
Impact of this crisis on education:
Education for girls in
India depends on a multitude of factors. Factors like safety, transportation,
social stigmas and perceptions all play a role in determining whether or not a
girl gets educated. Aside from having schools that are accessible to girls,
specific challenges that girls face while receiving an education need to be
addressed. One such factor is the existence of WASH in educational spaces.
A lack of WASH in
educational spaces directly impacts if a girl will attend school or college. It
has been well documented that many girls, especially in rural areas, do not
have access to schools with washrooms or drinking water.
In March, education
minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said that more than 15,000 government schools do not
have toilets, and more than 42,000 do not have access to drinking water.
Studies have also shown that even in schools, many are unusable, locked, or had
no separate facilities for girls. Further, a 2020 CAG (Comptroller and Auditor
General) report found that 55% of government schools did not have basic
hand-washing facilities.
Due to this, girls
routinely drop out of school. A 2015 report by Dasra says that 23% of girls
drop out of school after reaching puberty because of inadequate sanitation,
water, or toilets. WASH in women’s education requires an understanding of how
it impacts different aspects of girls’ lives, thereby determining whether or
not they can or will continue their studies.
Lack of Awareness
Lack of awareness
makes for a major problem in India’s menstrual hygiene scenario. Indian Council
for Medical Research’s 2011-12 report stated that only 38 per cent menstruating
girls in India spoke to their mothers about menstruation. Many mothers were
themselves unaware what menstruation was, how it was to be explained to a
teenager and what practices could be considered as menstrual hygiene
management. Schools were not very helpful either as schools in rural areas
refrained from discussing menstrual hygiene. A 2015 survey by the Ministry of
Education found that in 63% schools in villages, teachers never discussed
menstruation and how to deal with it in a hygienic manner.
Menstruation
Another crucial aspect
of girls’ health that determines their school participation is menstruation and
if toilets, sanitation, water, and other related facilities are available to
accommodate them. Most girls drop out of school when they begin their period or
do not attend the days they get their period because of unsatisfactory
infrastructure and menstrual waste management.
Schools that do have
toilets must maintain a sanitised and hygienic environment since poor menstrual
management can lead to health issues like UTI’s (which can create kidney
problems), genital tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, alteration in pH
balance of secretions, etc.
The need for schools
to engage with menstruation among adolescent girls goes beyond the existence of
washrooms. Schools also need to educate their students about menstruation and
work to dismantle the connotations and stigma around it. This will further
encourage girls to attend school and will enable them to better contribute to
themselves and society.
What can you do to help solve this problem?
Accelerate sanitation
coverage in rural areas. Generate a push from the people to get facilities
rather than expect the Government to do it (demand-led promotion). Focus on
intensive education and awareness campaigns to ensure that people understand
the need for safe sanitation.
Another way to solve this problem is to donate money
How can you donate money?
Our organization helps young people in areas of India . We will do
everything to solve this problem
HEEALS We believe that
by starting small and working with one community at a time, we can begin to
make changes that will spread gradually throughout India, all the while working
hard to create and maintain a self-sustaining society. We aim to facilitate the
fulfilment of the millennium development goals, set out by the United Nations,
by ensuring that every household in India has unimpeded access to proper WASH
facilities.
Of the over 21,800 girls who had dropped out of school before the
2019-20 school year, just over 13% girls did so as they were required for house
work and almost 7% did so as they were married off even though child marriage
is illegal
Early marriages and
chores at home are key reasons why girls drop out of school, The National
Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) indicates. Of the over 21,800 girls who had
dropped out of school before the 2019-20 school year, just over 13% girls did
so as they were required for house work and a lmost 7% did so as they were
married off even though child marriage is illegal. When it comes to paid work,
the percentage of boys who dropped out for work is higher when compared to
girls. A total of 21,851 girls and 20,084 boys had dropped out of school before
the 2019- 20 school year.
How does child marriage affect education in India?
Child marriage ends
childhood.It negatively influences children’s
rights to education, health and protection. These consequences impact not just
the girl directly, but also her family and community.
A girl who is married
as a child is more likely to be out of school and not earn money and contribute
to the community. She is more likely to experience domestic violence and become
infected with HIV/AIDS. She is more likely to have children when she is still a
child. There are more chances of her dying due to complications during
pregnancy and childbirth. Estimates suggest that
each year, at least 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India. Nearly 16
per cent adolescent girls aged 15-19 are currently married.
While the prevalence
of girls getting married before age 18 has declined from 47 per cent to 27 per
cent between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016 it is still too high.
The significant
progress in the reduction of child marriages in India has contributed to a
large extent to the global decrease in the prevalence of the practice. The
decline may be the result of multiple factors such as increased literacy of
mothers, better access to education for girls, strong legislation and migration
from rural areas to urban centres.Increased rates of girls’ education, proactive government investments in
adolescent girls, and strong public messaging around the illegality of child
marriage and the harm it causes are also among the reasons for the shift.
How does child marriage affect health?
A girl who marries
early is more likely to give birth before her body is ready, presenting complications
that will jeopardize her health for the rest of her life.
Impact of child marriage on Indian economy
Due to dropouts
because of child marriagemany students
lose opportunity to earn money and raise economy of India. Child marriage
negatively affects the Indian economy and can lead to an intergenerational
cycle of poverty. Girls and boys married
as children more likely lack the skills, knowledge and job prospects needed to
lift their families out of poverty and contribute to their country’s social and
economic growth. Early marriage leads
girls to have children earlier and more children over their lifetime,
increasing economic burden on the household.
Child marriage is
estimated to cost economies at least 1.7 percent of their GDP. It increases total
fertility of women by 17 percent, which hurts developing countries battling
high population growth. As per IRCW study, the
welfare benefit in ending child marriage is estimated to be $22.1 billion
globally in the first year (2015). This number increases to $566 billion
annually by 2030, for a cumulative welfare benefit of more than $4 trillion.
Considering how one out of three such marriages happen in India, this impact is
huge on India. Decreased household
sizes would lead to an increased availability of funds which then could be used
to pay for food, education, health care and other expenses for other members of
the household.
Child marriage and mental health
Five of the studies
included in our review estimated the effect of child marriage on various aspects
of mental health. These studies relied on cross-sectional data collected from
Ghana, Iran, Ethiopia, Niger and the United States. Women in the United States
who married before the age of 18 were more likely to report experiencing a wide
range of mood, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders in adulthood when
compared to those who married at later ages .The authors of a small study from
a single county in Iran found that women who married as children reported more
depressive symptoms than those who married at the age of 18 or older .John,
Edmeades, and Murithi examined the relationship between child marriage and
multiple domains of psychological well-being in Niger and Ethiopia . The
authors found that marriage before the age of 16 was correlated with poorer
overall psychological well-being, but no evidence that marriage between the
ages of 16 and 17 was associated with poorer outcomes when compared to women
who married at the age of 18 or later . In Ghana, child marriage seemed to
protect against measures of stress. The Ghanaian study also found no indication
of differences in levels of social support between women who married before the
age of 18 and those who married after their 18th birthdays, though these odds
ratio estimates were very imprecise
How to stop it ?
Contact a women cell
of local police. ...
File for Domestic
Violence under PWDW Act. ...
Contact National
commission for women. ...
Contact a lawyer. ...
Suit for annulment of
marriage in district court or family court.
What to do if you do not live in India?
If you want to help
kids in India and stop child marriage you can donate to our organization and we
will do everything we can to stop child marriage in India
HEEALS organization
We believe that by
starting small and working with one community at a time, we can begin to make
changes that will spread gradually throughout India, all the while working hard
to create and maintain a self-sustaining society. We aim to facilitate the
fulfilment of the millennium development goals, set out by the United Nations,
by ensuring that every household in India has unimpeded access to proper WASH
facilities.
Heeals was built by a
core team of committed executive committee, the member and staff member, who
collectively have extensive experience in rural, urban and social development
in India. Most of the founding staff is working voluntarily or semi-voluntary.
Email:communication@heeals.org
Whatsapp:
+91-7982316660
Written by
Kenenbaeva Janyl
We are looking for CSR /Companies and Organization To Support Our Projects.
Sowing the Seeds of Change: Breaking the Link Between Junk Food
and Early Menarche- Bhavana Jala Nerella
(Volunteer at HEEALS)
If a girl has her first menstruation before
age 12 it leads to an increase in breast cancer risk by 50% than when compared
to menarche at 16. Interested? I bet you are. Adolescence is a crucial period
of transition from puberty to adulthood, during which teenagers experience
various physical, psychological, and social changes. One significant milestone
in this phase is Menarche, which marks the onset of regular menstrual cycles in
healthy females. Although food plays a pivotal role in holistic growth, nourishment,
procreation, and the cycle of life, the present-day way of living has led to
the increased prevalence of fast food and junk food consumption. Consuming fast
food leads to excessive intake of sodium and saturated fast.
As the consumption
of fast food increases across urban, suburban, and rural areas of India, there
is a noticeable rise in menstrual problems such as early menarche, irregular
menses, dysmenorrhea, and excessive bleeding. It is crucial for us to assess
these dietary habits, make necessary modifications, and promote healthier
lifestyles for future generations. While many factors may be beyond our
control, we can collectively strive to change what is within our reach.
Although fast food may appear convenient and cost-effective in the short term,
it eventually leads to regrets. Over consumption of junk food reduces our intake
of essential nutrients such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. This
deficiency contributes to nutritional imbalances, which are considered a
significant factor in inducing hormonal dysfunction , leading to various
menstrual problems as mentioned earlier.
Let's take a look at some examples of
the harmful substances found in junk food: - Eggs in junk food may contain
propylene glycol (petrol), tertiary butyl hydroquinone (nail polish), and
calcium silicate. - Chips often contain chemical substances like
poly-dimethylsiloxane, a silicone-based plastic coating used to maintain shelf
life, color, and flavor. - Deep-fried nuggets may not contain real chicken,
potato, or vegetables. Instead, they often consist of a pre-nugget mix with
mesh found in plastics and artificial coloring. So are these food still a quick
fix to your hunger pangs?
That’s for you to decide. A study conducted among
2,033 girls in Shanghai revealed a significantly higher risk of early onset
menarche associated with an unhealthy diet pattern. Children who consumed
unhealthy foods were 1.25 times more likely to experience early menarche
compared to those who consumed healthy foods. In another study involving 500
adolescent school girls in Pokhara, Nepal, a case-control study demonstrated
that 97.7% of girls who experienced menarche before the age of 11 regularly
consumed junk food. However, the most alarming finding was the severe
psycho-socio-economic impact of early menarche on a young woman's life. This
impact includes increased vulnerability to abuse, sexual exploitation, early
marriage, excessive workload, eating disorders, early pregnancy, and the need
for medications during pregnancy. The severity of the impact of early menarche
on a girl's future is drastic, and as a society, we have a responsibility to
protect and empower women to be their best selves. The strength and prosperity
of a community depend on the safety and quality of life for women. It is
essential that we stand up for them and initiate change, starting with small
acts such as educating families and children about the effects of poor diet on
menarche.
Although early menarche may seem like a scientific term, its
implications are deeply rooted into all areas of a woman's life. By modifying
our dietary habits and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can safeguard the
well-being and future of the younger generations. HEEALS (Health, Education,
Environment and Livelihood Society) is a grassroots non-profit/ NGO in Gurgaon,
India and is championing the cause of menstrual health, sanitation, the
importance of a healthy diet, and the promotion of women's well-being. Through
these initiatives, we break the silence surrounding menstrual health, providing
education on hygiene management and access to affordable sanitary products. We
also conduct workshops on the importance of a balanced diet for menstrual
health, highlighting the detrimental effects of junk food.
These efforts
empower women, reduce stigmas, and enhance the quality of life for women and
girls in India. Despite the challenges we face, I am deeply hopeful for the
future of women worldwide. The journey may not be easy, but we will always
strive forward.
Carlotta Speak About Why Gender Equality Is Important For Her.
Why we have to work more on Gender Inequality .
Join Our Gender Equality Internship Program
Email : communications@heeals.org
Whatss app : +91- 7982316660
First, we visited a school only for boys, in Bhatipura village, Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh
Aim of our questionnaires is to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying problems of our society , regarding Menstrual Hygiene, Mental Health and Gender Equality related topics
This allows us to have a broader picture of the situation and to better identify children who have the most relevant difficulties, psychologically speaking And to unearth psychological problems and menstrual related diseases which should no longer be considered a taboo. Due to the large number of students, in these schools, we felt the need to add several open-ended questions to our questionnaires.
In the workshop we talked directly to the young boys, discussing big issues in a simple language and making our lesson stimulating with group games and motivational phrases. After a speech on mental health and adolescence, we proposed them some interactive activities. We invited them to ask questions related to adolescence and mental health, but also menstrual hygiene and made a lesson on soft skills and motivational stories. We considered our duty to hand out one writing pen for each child as well as a board game for the whole class to stimulate their competitiveness on basic skills
Most of these children do not have notebooks, pens, books and games to play with. Leaving the first school , we made visit to the school next door, a girl school. The same questionnaire with cross- checked and open- ended questions was reproposed to the girls
Their answers on menstrual hygiene, gender equality and mental health are needed to make a comparison with the ones of the boys, to be cognizant of what actually is the gap between male and female in indian society, to tear down this wall. A presentation workshop on menstrual hygiene, gender equality and mental Health has followed. The true protagonists of our speech were the girls and them all seemed ethustiastic and deeply interested Since these are subject matters that affects them first hand, we enhanced the lesson with motivational stories and by talking about soft skills. We then handed them everything they needed the most. We distributed stationary items, notebooks, pens, sanitary Pads, booklets to each of them and a board game for the class.
Our hard work and dedication were eventually rewarded with a warm smile and a sincere thank you from pupils and teachers alike
We are very thankful with the teachers for their kind cooperation
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