Welcome to our Life Skill Development Program for Adolescents in Mahad, District-Raigad. Adolescence is a crucial phase marked by profound physical and psychological changes. To help adolescents cope with these transitions and make informed life choices, we’ve initiated this program, generously funded by the Collective Good Foundation. Our goal is to empower both adolescent girls and boys with life skills, foster gender sensitivity, and create a responsible, violence-free society.

Understanding the Challenges:

During adolescence, young minds are susceptible to external influences, which can sometimes lead them astray. They grapple with issues related to self-identity, peer pressure, and societal expectations. In this vulnerable phase, it’s essential to provide guidance on life skills, sex education, and other critical topics. Adolescents often lack a safe space to discuss these issues, which can result in misunderstandings, poor decision-making, and, in some cases, harassment or dropouts from school.

Our program aims to address these challenges comprehensively. We strive to:

1. Educate Adolescents: We provide adolescents with knowledge about their bodies, sexuality, and adolescence itself, dispelling myths and misconceptions.

2. Develop Life Skills: Life skills such as communication, leadership, and negotiation are crucial. We empower them with the confidence to protect themselves and succeed.

3. Promote Gender Sensitivity: Changing perspectives towards women and reducing violence is a cornerstone of our program.

4. COVID-19 Awareness: We also educate adolescents about the ongoing pandemic and its implications.

5. Nutrition Education: Proper nutrition is vital during adolescence for healthy growth, and we make sure they understand its importance.

6. Mental Health Support: We address mental health needs by training teachers as counselors, providing essential support.

7. Career Guidance: Adolescents receive guidance to make informed decisions about their future.

8. Advocacy: We advocate for policy changes within educational institutions and government departments.

Our Holistic Approach:

Our program goes beyond theory. We integrate life skills into the education system, engage parents and the community, and provide mentorship and counseling. Our initiatives include the Sukanya Helpline, public awareness campaigns, and the formation of Parent-Teacher Associations, creating an inclusive environment for all.