Project SAKSHAM, a collaborative initiative between The WE Foundation, corporate giant – Gilbarco Veeder Root India Private Limited, World Health Organization and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on April 16 celebrated the project’s ongoing success in empowering students with essential health and well-being resources. Under this over 2000 students across five BMC schools in Bharat Nagar and BKC have already benefited from health & nutrition workshops and screenings designed for holistic child development, encompassing health, nutrition, hygiene, and education.
This ambitious CSR initiative now embarks on a new phase, with a profound commitment to positively impact the lives of 10,000 children,10,000 parents, and 500 teachers. Recognizing that poor sanitation and inadequate nutrition are some of the critical factors contributing to child mortality in India, particularly through preventable diseases, The WE Foundation is leveraging its grassroots expertise to drive sustainable change through Project SAKSHAM.
A cornerstone of Project SAKSHAM is the development of 100 “child changemakers” in each participating school. These young leaders will champion vital initiatives related to health, nutrition, education, WASH, local art, and environmental awareness within their schools and communities, fostering a culture of well-being from the ground up.
The multifaceted approach of Project SAKSHAM, includes:
- WASH Awareness Sessions: Focused on educating children about best practices for personal hygiene and proper sanitation techniques.
- Sanitary napkin and Hygiene Kit Distribution: In addition to soaps, sanitary pads were distributed to female students to encourage menstrual hygiene awareness.
- English Education Quiz: An interactive quiz competition aimed at improving language proficiency and boosting students’ confidence in communication.
- Health and hygiene session by WHO Representative: A Health expert from the World Health Organization conducted an insightful session on health, nutrition, and disease prevention.
- Craft from waste materials: Encouraging students to express their creativity, the competition revolved around themes of health, hygiene, and sustainability.
- Awards & Recognition: Winners of the quiz and drawing competition were awarded educational kits, fostering motivation and academic growth.
Speaking at the celebratory event held at the Ramkrishnan Paramhans Marg School in Bandra Kurla Complex (Mumbai), Nabanita Banerjee, the Director of The WE Foundation, shared her vision for the project and said: “Project Saksham embodies a powerful and impactful partnership to establish sustainable healthcare, nutrition, and English communication skills at the grassroots level. By empowering students as Changemakers in each school, we ensure they take ownership of these practices, fostering sustainability.”
Dr. Meeta Vashi, Surveillance Medical Officer, WHO Mumbai, added, “Highlighting the critical role of vaccination and hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, these awareness efforts are vital in safeguarding public health. By empowering school students with this knowledge, we are also cultivating powerful influencers who can champion healthy practices within their families.”
