Transform childhoods of 300 slum children in India

Substance abuse is rampant in the community in M-east ward in Mumbai. A number of young boys consume tobacco in these urban slums. To address the issue – the children core group at our Child Resource Centre (CRC) organized screening of documentary depicting health hazards of consuming tobacco. This was followed by a series of discussions with children. The children shared with us that they picked up this habit from their peers and youth in the community. The documentary and the discussion raised awareness regarding the hazardous health consequences of tobacco.

Prakash a child from the community formed a group to support his friends and other peers in an attempt to give up tobacco and decided to monitor the children who were in the habit of consuming it. Prakash, a 14 yr old himself was under the substance abuse cycle since last two years. With health sessions and other specific activities to bring awareness about effects of tobacco, Prakash became aware; as a result of creating the peer pressure and support 8 children, including Prakash gave up tobacco consumption. This children’s group is now also educating elders in the community now about health consequences of tobacco consumption.

We at YUVA – CRC support them to deal with several issues like tobacco consumption, on their own and provide them enough resources to know how to seek help - this how we empower children. In the past few months we have been able to create awareness about several issues, all thanks to our donors for supporting us in our work to help children lead a dignified life! Thank you!