Train 4600 Indian girls as peer health leaders

Dear Girls Health Champion,

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Mumbai hard, with many of our partner schools, youth program participants, and their families deeply affected. First and foremost, we remain committed to supporting our Champions and collaborating schools during these difficult times. We are working closely with school administrators, teachers, and our Champions to address the challenges our youth and their families are experiencing, from mental health burden to food insecurity.

Second, with schools in Mumbai likely to remain closed for at least the next few months, we have been conducting regular online sessions with our Champions to continue our adolescent health education sessions. During this pandemic, health education is more urgent and necessary than ever.

Third, we are introducing additional content into our curriculum focused on COVID-19 and communicable diseases. With so much uncertainty and misinformation around the coronavirus, our youth can play an important role in disseminating accurate and actionable information to support their friends, classmates, families, and communities.

Finally, we are excited to share that we are co-developing a technology platform with our amazing Champions. The platform will not only provide a means to continue connecting with our schools and students during the pandemic, but it will also provide a means to expand our program’s reach and impact in the long-term.

We would love to hear from you if you have any ideas about how to support our youth during this pandemic. Stay safe and healthy!

With gratitude,

Dr. Priya Shankar & Ricky Sharma
Co-founders, Girls Health Champions