Mumbai: More than 2,000 students from five Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools located in Bharat Nagar and the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) have taken part in a series of health and nutrition workshops and screenings conducted under Project SAKSHAM.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the World Health Organization (WHO), the BMC, The WE Foundation, and Gilbarco Veeder Root India Private Limited.
A core focus of Project SAKSHAM is the formation of a group of 100 “child changemakers” in each participating school. These students are being encouraged to take on leadership roles in promoting awareness around health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation (WASH), local art, and environmental responsibility in both their schools and the wider community.
As part of the programme, students attended sessions on hygiene and sanitation, received hygiene kits that included sanitary napkins and soaps, and participated in activities such as an English language quiz and a creative competition using recycled materials.
A health education session conducted by a WHO representative covered topics related to nutrition and disease prevention. Educational kits were awarded to students who took part in the quiz and drawing competitions.
Nabanita Banerjee, Director of The WE Foundation, emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, which brings together local government and international health bodies to support students in developing practical skills. She stated “empowering children as changemakers helps ensure the continuity of these practices at the school level and within families.”
Dr. Pramod Patil, Medical Officer of Health at BMC, underlined the importance of prioritising health and nutrition in children's daily lives and said that “the project serves as a platform for introducing students to basic habits and knowledge related to nutrition and personal well-being.”
Dr. Meeta Vashi, Surveillance Medical Officer at WHO Mumbai, spoke about the relevance of hygiene and vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. She added that providing this knowledge to students also enables them to act as information sources within their own households.
With the initial phase completed, the initiative is set to expand with the aim of reaching 10,000 children, 10,000 parents, and 500 teachers. Project SAKSHAM continues to work at the school level to build awareness around health, hygiene, and education through partnerships between institutions and communities.
