In India, a poignant reality unfolds for adolescent girls, revealing a significant lack of understanding and support for their reproductive and sexual health.
My recent visit to a government high school brought this starkly to light—exposing the silent battles of teenage girls, struggles that linger unnoticed and unattended.
Questions like “How often should I change sanitary napkins?”; “How can I handle debilitating period pain that keeps me out of school for days?”; “Why do I experience severe itching before my period?”; “What causes a burning sensation when I urinate?”; “Why isn't there a proper disposal system for used sanitary products?”—these were just a few of the echoes that filled the room as I engaged with a hundred adolescent girls on a crisp winter afternoon.
The teenage years are super important for growing up healthy. Choices made and habits learned during this time can shape long-term health. That's why sessions at ZealGrit mix fun activities, chats, and challenges. We want these girls to learn by doing so they can see how easy it is to build healthy habits that stick with them for life.
Picture this: A classroom transformed into a lively hub of excitement! The boring old blackboard transformed into an awesome game board! Imagine 100 girls divided into six teams, with team leaders numbered from 1 to 6. A girl rolls the dice, and boom! The corresponding team moves further on the series of 11 stops—the start point, infection spot, hydration hub, handwashing hotspot, comfort corner, food zone, bio-break area, shopping center, breaking barriers, wellness winner, and the final challenge corner—each stop unlocking chats about stuff the girls deal with every day.
Take the hydration center, for example. We asked, "How much water do we need every day?" Then we talked about how to stay hydrated, making sure our drinking water is safe, and where we get our water from. But here's the surprise: we found out that lots of girls were barely drinking three glasses of water a day! Every game stop was like this—a chance to share stories, talk about their lives, and discover new things together.
As the two teams reached the wellness spot first, they eagerly picked one of four challenge cards without knowing what it held. Challenges varied from showing proper handwashing techniques, demonstrating UTI-friendly foods with actions, sketching comfortable clothing, and describing daily water intake like a game of charades. The teams raced against each other, sparking high spirits, intense competition, and deep learning moments.
As the session wrapped up, the room echoed with enthusiastic chants of the core messages learned. The session wasn't just about the topic covered; it was also about teamwork, leadership, confidence, and communication skills on display—a true testament to its impact.
These sessions transcend traditional learning; they provide a platform for sharing worries, boosting confidence, and tackling issues that usually slip under the radar. Ultimately, it's not just the knowledge the girls gain but the way they acquire it that truly matters.
We had a blast learning about ‘UTI'! Imagine playing a cool game that's a mix of Ludo and Snake and Ladder to discuss UTIs. It wasn't just fun; it helped them understand how to stay healthy in a super easy way!
We've only just set off on this incredible journey, and with each session, we're shaping a brighter, healthier future for these young minds. Will you join us and support our mission?
Together, we can make a real difference in their lives.