Science & Technology Communication/Awareness among
Students, Teachers and General Mass through Folk Media (Puppetry)

Objectives

• Raise awareness about the causes and effects of unsafe water and poor hygiene practices.

• Increase nutritional knowledge among women and adolescent girls to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

• Reduce the incidence of child marriages by educating communities on its negative consequences.

• Foster scientific thinking to tackle everyday problems using evidence-based approaches.

• Promote cleanliness and hygiene habits among school students and the general public.

• Utilise puppetry and folk media to effectively communicate scientific concepts and raise awareness about malnutrition and balanced diets.

Folk Media Themes & their Significance

• Sanitation & Hygiene Despite progress, sanitation & hygiene remain a global challenge, millions lack access to basic facilities, resulting in preventable diseases and deaths. This topic was chosen to underscore the urgent need for improved sanitation and hygiene practices, and to highlight the ongoing efforts to achieve universal access to these essential services.

• Child Marriage Remains a pervasive global issue with severe consequences for children, particularly girls. This practice violates fundamental human rights, hinders education, and perpetuates gender inequality. By exploring the root causes, impacts, and potential solutions, we aim to contribute to the global efforts to eradicate child marriage and empower young people.

• Nutrition Impacts our health profoundly, influencing energy levels, disease risk, and overall well-being. Understanding essential nutrients and making informed dietary choices can prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. By studying nutrition, we can promote healthier lifestyles and mitigate the effects of poor dietary habits.

• Enhanced awareness of sanitation and hygiene leading to improved public health.

• Enhanced scientific literacy and problem-solving

• Improved sanitation and hygiene practices

• Greater adoption of scientific problem-solving techniques in daily life.

• Improved hygiene habits among students and the broader community.

• Successful use of puppetry to engage and educate diverse audiences.

• Stronger communities through empowerment

• Sustainable impact on public health and well-being

• Educated the masses about the critical consequences of child marriage, social, physical and mental degradation caused.

Positive Changes Achieved

Shanti Sewa Samiti’s initiatives have effectively harnessed the power of folk media to tackle critical social issues. By integrating science communication with traditional methods like puppetry, the project has significantly raised awareness about sanitation, nutrition, and child marriage. This approach not only bridges the knowledge gap but also fosters scientific thinking and better health practices. The successful implementation of these programs has empowered communities with practical knowledge and tools, leading to improved public health and well-being. The project stands as a testament to the impact of combining modern science with culturally resonant communication methods.

65%

6000+

increase in awareness about sanitation & hygiene and nutrition

People reached through folk media across various districts

50+

Villages in UP, Rajasthan and Haryana covered

3500+

Participants reported increased knowledge about nutrition

Project Impact: Key Metrics

7500+

Health & sanitary kits distributed to the participants