Gender. Disability. Sanitation. Environment.
Whether it's the preferential treatment given to a son, or referring to people with mental health issues as 'mad'; the absence of soap in toilets, or the piles of burning plastic in the street. These are important issues which need to be raised.
Whilst these are global problems, I feel that these issues are particularly exacerbated in developing countries. India is soon to become the most populated country in the world, with the world's fastest growing economy. This rapid rate of development coincides with a major increase in greenhouse gas emissions, but seems juxtaposed with the relatively conservative attitudes of many of its occupants.
We wanted to broach these topics with the students, opening up a discussion. The fairly liberal mindset of Srirajni makes this possible with its ethos of open-mindedness. Unlike in many other schools, boys and girls are taught together, and the students are invited to question the way of the world. Although these topics are often mentioned, and there is zero-tolerance of discrimination, these are issues which cannot be stressed enough.
As such, we decided to organise an Awareness Day. With eight different stations (two activities per topic), manned by different teachers, the children moved around every 20 minutes, gradually making their way around the courtyard.
GENDER
- Acting out short scripts based around various gender issues.
- Matching inspirational women to their achievements, before writing about an inspirational woman in their lives.
DISABILITY
- Learning sign language.
- A series of games involving blindfolds.
SANITATION
- First Aid practical.
- Using painted handprints to demonstrate the transfer of germs.
ENVIRONMENT
- Making craft from rubbish, followed by a demonstration of burning litter (and why this is harmful).
- Singing a Hindi song about the beauty of our natural environment.
This project was entirely our own creation. We shaped it in the way that we wanted, conveying the messages that we think are really important. It's definitely one of the most worthwhile projects I have taken on during my time here; I strongly believe that educating the next generation, and raising awareness, is the key to positive change in the world.
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| Information boards. These have now become permanent features on the school's walls. |
