Snehita

Description

Covid 19 pandemic led to schools being closed for long durations which affected the learning process and also socio-psychological development of children. Lack of interaction with their peers and teachers had detrimental effect on social skills of students.
Taking this into account, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District Administration with support of Education, Health and ICDS Department initiated Snehita program in the district in July 2022. "Snehita", in Telugu means your friend. It is fundamentally an social campaign on safe childhood interventions that aims to create awareness amongst students about myriad issues: Gender equality, Good Touch-Bad Touch, prevention of child sexual abuse, Child psychology, positive parenting and life skills. First phase of program was rolled out for a duration of 3 months, covering 42000 students from 271 schools; steered by 38 inter departmental teams of nearly 200 officials of various cadres. Snehita teams spoke about the issue of Good Touch-Bad Touch using Touch sensor embedded doll that wore school uniforms like girls. The child friendly method of discussing a highly sensitive subject, won acceptance and appreciation from Children and Parents alike.