The 1051 Girl students from Harur Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Tamilnadu face problems of personal and environmental hygiene in the school in spite of the provision of 12 toilets and water availability.

Malaria, Kidney problem, anemia, reproductive tract infection, communicable and non-communicable diseases are the common diseases that particularly affect the school going children and young adolescents.

Care and provision for quality health information concerning the prevailing health problems is largely ignored.

ECO DRR Udhayam programme of Caritas India in Dharamapuri District aims towards health development to improve the quality of life and enable people to live with dignity.

Dharmapuri Social Service Society (DSSS) is working in 12 schools of Dharmapuri district to play greater role in propagating the concept of health and well-being. Ms. Savitha from DSSS is taking regular awareness sessions on environment and health for the students.

On August 17, 2017, DSSS provided 12 waste bins to enhance the personal and environmental hygiene especially of adolescent girls and to motivate them to use the toilets properly. The distribution was done during the students’ mass health awareness programme on personal hygiene practices facilitated by Dr. John Arokiaraj of Caritas India.

Students took pledged to maintain safe hygiene practices in school. The National Green Cadet Corps and Student leaders have come forward for day to day monitoring and upkeep.

“Change should first start from my side and I will do my best”, says Sreenidhi, a student of 6^th standard. She was felicitated through a token of appreciation for her commitment.

Ms. Selvanayagi, the headmistress also assured her support to the students in their initiative which will be a boon to the school.  The Director of DSSS Fr. Zacharias made all the arrangements for the successful initiation of this campaign which is to be continued in other adopted Government schools in Dharmapuri. It is a happy moment for Udhayam  programme as the  partners have shown interest in forging Partnership with Caritas India for achieving ‘Girl Students Development with Dignity’.