Sensational NIMHANS Program Empowers 25,000+ Bengaluru Students on Gender Safety!

Are you ready to hear about an incredible initiative that's transforming the lives of thousands of young people in Bengaluru? Get ready to be amazed! A groundbreaking gender and personal safety program, spearheaded by the renowned NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), has reached an astounding 25,000 children since its launch in May 2022. This isn't just another program; it's a movement that's changing the landscape of child safety and empowerment in the city.

A City-Wide Initiative: Protecting Bengaluru's Youth

This life-changing campaign, masterminded by Dr. Eesha Sharma and her dedicated team, is a shining example of collaboration and commitment. Funded by the Bengaluru City Police's Safe City Project and supported by Karnataka's Department of School Education, the program has touched the lives of students across 205 schools in Bengaluru's North and South zones.

Reaching Students Where They Are

The program's impact is truly remarkable, having successfully educated 24,925 children and adolescents aged 6 to 10 on personal safety and gender awareness. It doesn't stop there! The initiative has also empowered over 350 teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to create a supportive school environment. These teachers now act as vital protectors and educators within the schools.

Two Modules: Tailored to Age and Development

Recognizing that different age groups have unique needs and understandings, the program employs two separate but equally vital modules. The first module focuses on physical and emotional safety for students in grades 6 and 7. The second module builds upon this foundation, expanding to encompass gender, sexuality, relationships, love, attraction and the many complexities they encompass for older students in grades 8 to 10. This tailored approach maximizes the impact, creating relevant and age-appropriate content for students at every level.

Beyond the Classroom

This initiative isn't merely confined to classrooms. Dr. Sharma's team went above and beyond, translating essential manuals on child safety and gender awareness into Kannada. These materials are now available to anyone dedicated to the well-being of children across Karnataka. Even more, impactful posters have been made available to schools as educational materials for consistent reminders. This resource has truly turned into something invaluable for future children and education in this field.

"My Safety is My Right": An Animated Educational Revolution

In a truly innovative step, the team developed a powerful animated film titled “Nanna Surakshate Nanna Hakku” (My safety is my right). This film is not just an educational tool; it's an engaging story that captivates and empowers children, leaving lasting positive impacts.

Empowering Through Story

The film features Anu, a young girl, sharing her experiences of learning about personal safety, equipping other children with the understanding and skills needed to identify and address unsafe situations. This unique approach helps build confidence in children to take ownership of their personal safety and well-being. With the right to safety well established as the child’s right in this powerful movie, the next step is teaching the child to stand up for their rights.

A Collaborative Triumph: Impacting lives together

The program's success is a testament to the power of collaboration. Bringing together law enforcement, the department of education and mental health professionals, this unique initiative has proven its effectiveness.

Key Stakeholders & The Far-Reaching Results

The collaboration between NIMHANS, the Bengaluru City Police's Safe City Project, and the Karnataka Department of School Education, exemplifies the commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in Bengaluru and possibly, all over India. This shows what truly happens when experts from different fields pool their resources and energy toward a worthy cause. This initiative stands as a symbol of collective commitment to fostering a safer environment for young minds in Bengaluru and far beyond. The future of protecting the children of tomorrow will rest upon collaboration of individuals in many fields of expertise to truly bring change.

Take Away Points:

• NIMHANS's gender and personal safety program has positively impacted over 25,000 children in Bengaluru.
• The program uses two distinct modules tailored to different age groups for maximized effectiveness.
• The program utilizes several key resources, such as an animation film and Kannada-translated manuals.
• The initiative highlights a stellar model for successful inter-agency collaboration, benefiting many and impacting countless lives.