Youth Initiatives

The main goal of Youth Initiatives is to destigmatize many of the issues faced by the youth across India and provide the resources we can to aid them. We are focused on formulating projects for the youth regarding topics including but not limited to child marriage awareness, menstruation education, reading and literacy skills, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Current Work

This year, we are continuing our partnernship with the Maanushi Foundation, based in Kumily, Kerala. We are currently working on small-group presentations to encourage discussion regarding women’s mental, physical, and social well-being. We are also developing educational comic strips to engage school children and answer common questions regarding menstrual health!

Past Projects

One of our past projects was a self defense presentation in which we presented techniques to children and had them participate in an activity to learn how to use them. We presented videos on the techniques and had them answer questions on safe practices to avoid danger. Our aim was to equip the youth, specifically women, with practices that help them protect themselves in dangerous and harmful circumstances.

Another one of our past projects was a “Period Bingo”, where each student received a bingo card with various phrases relating to periods. Facilitators would then call out a word, definition, phrase, or a question, and the students would identify the matching bingo square. The purpose of the activity was to educate children on periods and menstrual awareness in a fun, and engaging way.

Goals

Our aspirational goal for this year is to create projects that would impact Andimadam for not only for one year, but for many years. We want to focus on more informational projects rather than activities.

Another goal is to create long-term partnerships with NGOs focused on child safety, menstrual awareness, and alcohol and drug abuse, that can continue to sustain our development and our projects.