On 17th February 2025, YUVA India, in collaboration with Jeevan Dhara, Indira Nagar, Cotton Green, Mumbai, conducted an engaging session on personal hygiene and healthy eating habits for children. The session was led by Ms Vanita Salunke from YUVA India, with the presence of Mr Vijay Powar and two teachers from Jeevan Dhara. A total of 25 children, aged between six to thirteen years, actively participated in the session with curiosity and enthusiasm.

The objective of this session was to raise awareness about personal hygiene and the importance of a balanced diet in daily life. Through interactive discussions, engaging activities, and thought-provoking questions, the children gained essential knowledge in a fun and interactive manner.

Understanding Personal Hygiene A Step Towards a Healthier Life

Ms Vanita Salunke initiated the session by asking the children about their understanding of personal hygiene. The children eagerly responded with various aspects, such as cleaning their hair, brushing their teeth, washing hands, taking baths, and wearing clean clothes.

She explained that personal hygiene is crucial for staying healthy, preventing infections, and maintaining confidence. The discussion covered the following key areas

• Hair Care Washing hair regularly to prevent dandruff and lice
• Oral Hygiene Brushing teeth twice a day to avoid cavities and bad breath
• Bathing and Skin Care Taking a bath daily to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria
• Hand Hygiene Washing hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the toilet
• Nail Care Keeping nails trimmed and clean to prevent the spread of germs
• Wearing Clean Clothes Changing clothes regularly to maintain cleanliness and avoid infections

The children enthusiastically participated in discussions, sharing how they maintain hygiene at home. Some shared stories about how skipping hygiene habits had led to health issues, reinforcing the importance of the topic.

Importance of Healthy Eating Habits

After discussing personal hygiene, the session moved on to another essential topic healthy eating habits. Ms Vanita explained the impact of nutrition on physical and mental well-being. The children learned how a balanced diet plays a crucial role in growth, development, and immunity.

She discussed the benefits of different food groups, including

• Green Vegetables Providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, helping in digestion and boosting immunity
• Fruits Offering natural sugars and hydration, which help in energy production and skin health
• Dairy Products Such as milk and yoghurt, important for strong bones and teeth
• Proteins Found in lentils, eggs, and nuts, crucial for muscle growth and repair

The session also covered the harmful effects of junk food, explaining how excessive consumption of fast food can lead to obesity, fatigue, and health issues. The children were encouraged to limit their intake of packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fried foods.

Engaging Discussions and Interactive Learning

After the discussion, the children took part in an activity where they shared their own food habits. Some of them expressed that they enjoy eating vegetables and fruits, while others admitted they often preferred fast food. Through a fun and interactive conversation, the children were encouraged to think about how they could improve their diet by making healthier choices.

To make the session more engaging, the children participated in an activity where they identified their favourite healthy foods and discussed ways to replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives.

The children made personal commitments, stating

• I will wash my hands before eating food and after using the toilet
• I will eat more vegetables because they make me strong
• I will brush my teeth twice a day to keep my mouth fresh

Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn made the session incredibly enjoyable.

Conclusion Building Healthy Habits for a Better Future

The session conducted by YUVA India and Jeevan Dhara successfully raised awareness among children about personal hygiene and nutrition. The interactive discussions, engaging activities, and real-life examples helped the children understand these crucial topics in a fun and relatable way.

Such initiatives play a vital role in empowering young minds and helping them develop lifelong habits that promote health, well-being, and confidence. Through continued efforts, YUVA India remains committed to educating and inspiring children to lead healthier lives.

Looking Forward to More Initiatives

The enthusiastic participation of the children and the support from Jeevan Dhara made this session a great success. YUVA India looks forward to organising more such awareness programmes that contribute to the well-being of children and the community.

Together, we can build a healthier future for the next generation