Chronic Care Foundation, New Delhi organised a health awareness campaign on Chronic disease on 1st February 2008 at Salwan Girls Sr. Sec. School, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. The programme was attended by approximately 500 students (VI to X student) and 15 staff members of the Salwan Girls Sr. Sec. School.

The initiative to create awareness and educate the children on the risks, care and management of chronic diseases was tackled very innovatively by means of Street Theatre for 20 minutes followed by a Magic Show for 45 minutes. The street theatre was performed by a group of 8 former street children while the Magic Show was performed by Mr. Mohammad Iqbal of the “Great Magic Show”. . Both the programs covered awareness information about Diabetes and related chronic diseases as well as highlighted the facts about healthy habits and healthy living for the participants. The audience of young schoolchildren watched in rapt attention and greatly enjoyed the performance that conveyed some serious messages through comedy street theatre.

The show was participative and enthusiastic volunteers came on the stage and apprised the audience on how to prevent chronic diseases. Both the shows were applauded consistently and were enthusiastically received. The feedback also revealed that the messages had been assimilated and had the desired impact.

Dr. Vijay Kumar, the guest resource person also addressed the audience on different forms of chronic diseases, early intervention and care management. An educational leaflet was also distributed among the student to promote healthy eating and healthy living. This unique and innovative approach to creating awareness was a success and well receives by the student and staff member of the school.

 

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