Tata Steel Foundation’s RISHTA Project organises ‘Saathiya Samaroh’

Tata Steel Foundation's RISHTA Project Hosts 'Saathiya Samaroh' Empowering Adolescents

Danagadi, September 08, 2023: Tata Steel Foundation's RISHTA Project organized a one-day 'Saathiya Samaroh' at Hotel MIPL near Military Chowk in Danagadi block of Jajpur on Friday.

Rexona Jena, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Jajpur, graced the occasion as the chief guest, along with the presence of Niranjan Kara, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Jajpur, Kantha Dehury, Additional Block Education Officer (ABEO), Danagadi, and Allen Kim Joseph, Unit Head, Tata Steel Foundation, Kalinganagar.

A total of 65 adolescents from 15 Gram Panchayats across Danagadi and Sukinda blocks participated in the one-day event. The event aimed to honor these 65 Saathiyaas/peer educators for successfully completing an advanced training program. These educators were selected from a pool of 230 Saathiyaas/peer educators working across 209 villages in both blocks. After receiving advanced training, these Saathiyaas/peer educators are now responsible for imparting knowledge to others.

As part of the event, participants received 'Saathiya Kits' containing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to reproductive health.

The event featured various engaging activities, including 'Nukkad Natak' (street play), conveying essential messages about reproductive health and child marriage, along with captivating cultural performances. It also provided a platform for the youth to interact with government officials and share their experiences.

The 'Saathiya Samaroh' signifies a significant step in empowering adolescents with knowledge and resources related to reproductive health.

Project RISHTA is a community-based and youth-led program aimed at reducing early marriages in rural areas. The program trains peer educators to counsel youth on child marriage prevention, Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (ARSH) education, and youth development opportunities.

Initiated in 2013 in Jajpur district, the RISHTA Project now spans 209 villages across 48 Gram Panchayats in Sukinda and Danagadi blocks of Jajpur. Remarkable progress has been made in reducing early marriages in recent years. The project has increased awareness about Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (ARSH) education within communities and improved the overall health of adolescents by identifying and training peer educators among them.

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