India: Community Health Education Program

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• Click here to visit the SPW India website: www.spwindia.org

India has a population of one billion people, around half of whom are adults in the sexually active age group. The spread of HIV in India has been inconsistent, as much of the country reports a low rate of infection while the southern States are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. The number of AIDS cases in Tamil Nadu, the region where SPW works, was reported to be 48,180* in March 2005.

Volunteers are…



• In public schools (around 1500 students)
• In rural and semi-urban communities
• In groups of 6 volunteers (2 international, 2 national and 2 local)
• Using non-formal education techniques to address important social, health and environmental issues
• Primarily in the role of a catalyst or facilitator, drawing on the expertise and local experience of the partners with whom SPW India collaborates

Volunteers will be…



• Educating and empowering young people, women, and weaker, marginalized sections of society
• Improving access to basic health care information
• Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, (e.g. introducing organic farming and kitchen gardening techniques)
• Encouraging people to take responsibility for their environment and to improve their standard of living
• Working through Women’s Sangams (women’s groups )
• Setting up clubs in schools where informal learning and self-development can take place
• Awareness raising activities within the wider community

Case Study:




“In Kilkothur we focused on creative ways of delivering a health club curriculum to the students in the form of health classes. We designed a number of creative health classes to be delivered to all standards, sometimes with help from health club students on value education, nutrition, diarrhea, malaria, elephantiasis, common cold, tuberculosis prevention and treatment, adolescent tealth (in partnership with CHAD, our local NGO), toilet and sanitation education, and HIV and AIDS. We also supplemented the school by setting up a zero-waste management unit, a kitchen garden and a library. In addition, we conducted a community awareness rally and a program on HIV and AIDS.” ~Nikhath Akthar, HEP Volunteer

Staff Support:



• 1 main office in Vellore
• Staff has frequent, regular interaction with volunteers
• Placements are located within reach of the office, making communication with other volunteers easy

Country Information:




Background: India is a sensual overload! Every state has its own language, traditions, religious beliefs and characteristics. Vellore district in the state of Tamil Nadu is home to magnificent temples, beautiful beaches, the cool Nilgiri Hills and Chennai, the fourth largest city in India.

Tamilians view themselves as citizens of the most purely Indian state of all. The Tamilians are among the friendliest people in India, and once volunteers have adjusted to the bustling nature of Indian streets, they will discover a sense of easygoing calm underneath the superficial chaos.

Language: Tamil, the third officially accepted language in Parliament after Hindi and English

Religion: Hindu with small Christian and Muslim populations

Food:



• Staple - a typical meal in Tamil Nadu consists of rice, lentils, grains and vegetables
• Meat - available, but Hindus do not eat beef
• Vegetarianism - most people practice vegetarianism. Feast on rice, lentils, grains and vegetables accompanied by chutneys, pickles and papaddams.
• Other - food tends to be spicy and hot! Coconut, tamarind, mustard seeds, red chilies, curry leaves and groundnut oil are common in most dishes.

*Indian HIV and AIDS Statistics, www.avert.org