Report of Children's Day and School Health Programme
November 13, 2023
The faculty and 5th semester BSc Nursing students of the Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal, organized a children’s day and school health program on November 9 and 11, 2023, at Asha Nilaya, a home for mentally challenged children, Udupi, and CSI Boys Boarding Home, Snehalaya, Udupi, respectively.
On November 9, 2023, the programme was conducted at Asha Nilaya Udupi between 9:30 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. Around 95 children and 25 teachers participated. The programme started with different games for children, like bombing the city, running races, and musical chairs. The students enthusiastically participated in all the games. A cultural program by BSc nursing students and students of Asha Nilaya followed it. Also, the programme aimed to create awareness of "personal hygiene” through an action song by 5th semester BSc nursing students. Prizes were distributed to the winners, and snacks were given to all the children.
On November 11, 2023, children’s day activities were organized at CSI Boys Boarding Home, Snehalaya, Udupi, between 2:00 P.M. and 4:30 P.M. The programme included competitions for children, like bombing the city, running races, and musical chairs. Around 45 children and five caretakers actively participated in the program. The BSc Nursing students and the school children performed various entertainment programs.
Through a skit, the students were also sensitised to the importance of a balanced diet in preventing diseases and promoting health. Good health is essential to sustainable development.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games, and snacks were given to all those gathered for the program. The programme was organised by 48 5th semester BSc nursing students at MCON. Mrs. Sheela Shetty, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Sangeetha Priyadarshini, Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, coordinated the programme under the guidance of Dr. Baby S. Nayak, Professor & Head, Department of Child Health Nursing, MCON, Manipal. The school's teachers and students appreciated the program and expressed that it was helpful for them and was well organized. This health awareness would support Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.