Awareness session at Kalleppully Anganwadi

As part of our continued efforts to support adolescent well-being and empowerment under Project Sashakt Bachpan, Oleevia Foundation conducted an Adolescent Awareness Session for 20 adolescent girls at Kalleppuly Anganwadi, Ward 17, Palakkad. Adolescence is a critical stage of personal development, and this session aimed to provide the participants with a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological changes they experience. By creating a safe and interactive space, the initiative helped these young girls voice their concerns, gain knowledge, and develop strategies to manage academic and social pressures. The session was led by Sreeja, Project Coordinator and Social Worker, along with Gautam Ramakrishnan, Chief Project Manager and Psychologist,who provided expert insights into adolescent health, emotional resilience, and stress management techniques.
Sreeja, Project coordinator and Social Worker of the Foundation who introduced the participants to the biological and emotional transitions of adolescence. She explained the hormonal changes that affect growth, mood, and emotions, helping the girls understand that these changes are a natural part of growing up. She also addressed common adolescent challenges such as peer pressure, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, and emotional fluctuations.
The second half of the program featured a counselling session by Gautam Ramakrishnan,focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by adolescents. He highlighted how academic pressure, parental expectations, and social influences often contribute to stress and anxiety among young students. Through a structured discussion, he helped the participants understand how stress manifests and ways to manage it effectively.
This initiative aligns with Oleevia Foundation’s broader vision of empowering youth and promoting mental well-being. Given the positive response, we plan to expand these sessions to more Anganwadis, ensuring that more adolescent girls receive the guidance and support they need.