Girls’ meeting for students of classes V – XI on “Adolescent Health and Menstural Education” was conducted in 2 separate sessions (V& VI and VII –X) on 26/7/18 under the able guidance of Dr.Charu Bhandari (Head of Science Department, Ms. Shanti Shekar (Head Teacher), Ms. Monika Suleria (Head Coordinator) and Ms. Sushma Yadav (Science teacher for secondary school).
The topics discussed by the teachers were age appropriate and very much the need of the hour. The informal interactions included topics such as
- Distinguishing between good and bad touch,
- Safety at home with relatives, at tuitions, on roads and public places,
- Avoiding interaction with strangers,
- Prioritising personal hygiene
- Good and Balanced Diet and
- Menstrual education
Apart from the above topics, the teachers also guided the VII to X grade girls in Menstruation Health and Hygiene- an issue that every girl experiences and has to deal with once she enters to adolescence. The girls were guided properly in aspects of hormone related changes, puberty, etc. Information on menstrual cycles helped the girls to confide in the teachers about the fears and misinformation they have been exposed to. Students were advised to participate in sports activities during periods and treat these 3 days just as any other day. Guidelines were given to the proper use and disposal methods of sanitary napkins.
The teenagers who are exposed to many influences: external and internal were made aware of the physical and mental changes that typically occurs during this stage. It was a very informative session for the girls and the teachers were happy to have answered doubts which, otherwise, would have lurked in their minds. Most importantly, the students were asked to seek advice from their parents and teachers only so that they are guided properly.
