Health and well-being is the crucial aspect for the people of Kanyakumari.

It is recognized that children and youth develop their habits and behaviors in their early part of life. Therefore, instilling a positive attitude towards life can make way during that period.

Kuzhithurai Integrated Development Social Services (KIDSS) under Health and Wellbeing cluster programme of Caritas India is offering a range of initiatives to spread awareness on the importance of good health and well-being. KIDSS has promoted the health and well-being programme with 16239 families coming under Kurunthancode block of Kanyakumari district under 11 panchayats in 43 villages.

Since November 11, 2017, potential 227volunteers including 43 development workers, 26 health professionals, 50 students and 25 farmers have been oriented with clear volunteer engagement plan. Through capacity building programmes they are promoting volunteerism among the community and address lifestyle related diseases and life threating diseases.

People are oriented on the importance of traditional and organic foods. 35 farmers have begun to practice traditional farming methods. The volunteers have taken up the responsibility of referring the needy persons to the Government hospitals and Community Health Development Programme’s Naturopathy clinic for treatment. Popular communication medium like WhatsApp is used to create awareness through periodical health updates and tips.

“It is the need of the hour to make people aware about the environmental hygiene and healthy lifestyle.

This awareness movement will be carried out with the volunteers to create a better future generation. Let all people of Kurunthencode work together to bring change in the life of the people and development”, motivates Fr.George, the Vicar Forane of Karankadu who himself is a lead volunteer.

The Director of KIDSS, Fr.John Michael Raj said that every person needs rest and exercise to live a healthy life. But the increasing number of hospitals and nursing homes in Kanyakumari district shows that people are sick and affected by many life-threatening diseases. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to create awareness on health and wellbeing and hence KIDSS’ initiative with the help of Caritas India.

“Leadership support is vital for the success for any health and wellbeing programme. The programme must be uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the target population. To be effective, it must be established based on population‐specific strategies, similar to the principles and underpinnings of the holistic health model, and it must be sustained”, says Dr.John Arokiaraj, Zonal Manager – South who has been accompanying this programme since its inception.

He added that promoting the health and well-being of all young people is a core and integral responsibility of teaching fraternity by creating a supportive school environment that is conducive to learning. Teachers are made comfortable and confident in promoting and teaching holistic health. Specific, targeted interventions, provided within a whole school framework, address the needs of the young students who require motivational support. Promotion of nutrition garden in the schools is one such agenda of KIDSS volunteers.

Aruna, 7th class Student, from Arockiapuram says: “I attended an awareness program on Kitchen Garden Promotion in my school. I was motivated to cultivate vegetables and greens in the small space available in the backyard of my house. My teachers provided with organic seeds. I was encouraged by my parents for this activity. Now in my garden, there are greens, ladies finger, tomato and chilli. I am using cow dunk and other natural manures. Every day I am spending time with plants and that gives happiness while seeing the plants grow. Quite frequently we consume the vegetables from our garden. They have good taste. I will try to cultivate more vegetables and greens for daily usage in future. I and my parents are aware that the natural vegetables are good for healthy life. I thank KIDSS and their staff who motivated the activity and wellbeing of the students through my school”.

Sr.Michael and dedicated KIDSS staff team require special mention for leading this health awareness movement with zeal.