Nalamdana, a Chennai-based NGO, has been using audience tailored, creative, innovative, relatable and entertaining social and behaviour change (SBC) methods to positively influence social norms and support healthier behaviours for individuals, families and communities for nearly three decades.
As Tamil Nadu in India gets back to business in the post-pandemic era, it faces many social and economic challenges that demand attention. Few are as compelling or as urgent as securing the safety and well-being of the country’s children, who will one day soon shape its future.
Child abuse cases have been steadily rising in India, and Tamil Nadu is no exception. Alcoholism and domestic violence, both of which the pandemic exacerbated, have deep and tragic effects on children. Increased access to digital devices and isolation from peer groups during the pandemic has widened the generation gap between children and their caregivers. Mental health challenges like stress, depression, and anxiety are now common among young people, resulting, in some cases, in self-harm. The use of drugs by schoolchildren is increasing at an alarming rate among boys and girls.
For over 29 years now, Nalamdana has been working closely with schools to implement creative and effective child abuse prevention and child protection interventions. This includes puppet shows and short film screenings followed by discussions with students, their families, and their communities. Feedback from the children themselves as well as teachers and family members has helped us identify key issues that need to be addressed through strategic behaviour change communication.
$200 will co-fund a program in one school
“Maaya Changu” is a 40-minute feature film produced by Nalamdana that tells an evocative story about child protection. It received an unprecedented commendation from the Censor Board for its sensitive and powerful handling of the issue of child abuse. It has been screened it more than 250 times so far at many schools and communities to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and model responses to prevent and address it.
Film screenings of effective short films made from field-tested scripts on child safety and addressing child abuse. These are shown at schools, colleges, and community groups where parents and caregivers live. Our trained facilitators follow up with post-screening discussions and share information about helplines and counselling options.
Puppet shows and skits for smaller audiences (children or adults) in the context of workplaces, schools, health facilities, and anywhere there is a captive audience. The smaller group allows for more meaningful discussions after the show. Nalamdana has staged 178 puppet shows already in schools all across the city.
Nalamdana is registered as a charitable trust in India. All donations in India are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Nalamdana has FCRA approval to receive foreign funds.
