Location: Salia Sahi Slum, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
The “Promoting Youth-Driven Community Changes for HIV Prevention” project, implemented by the Society for Nature, Education and Health (SNEH) in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has concluded. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and other health issues while actively engaging local youth in community development. Throughout the project, Youth Cell members organized various activities such as World AIDS Day observances, wall painting campaigns, cleanliness drives, distribution of health-themed greeting cards, street plays on HIV/AIDS awareness, counselling sessions on menstrual health, and health camps addressing HIV/AIDS and other health concerns.
These efforts helped dispel misconceptions, break long-standing taboos, and encourage open discussions on sexually transmitted diseases, sanitation, and nutrition. As a result, community awareness improved, and young people emerged as leaders of positive change. SNEH trained 40 youths (both boys and girls) from nine habitations of Salia Sahi to take on grassroots leadership roles. These young leaders acted as change agents, spreading awareness and strengthening peer learning networks. Their capacity was further enhanced through structured programs such as mentoring for holistic development, peer educator training, safeguarding and “Do No Harm” principles, self-improvement initiatives, and team-building exercises. These interventions fostered confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose among participants. To address menstrual health awareness, SNEH celebrated Raja Utsav on June 14, 2025, focusing on breaking stigmas surrounding menstruation.
The event provided a platform for women to relax, participate in activities, and showcase their talents while promoting awareness about female health. Adopting the “Discover, Develop and Deliver” approach, SNEH identified individual talents, nurtured their skills, and encouraged youth to lead community initiatives. The Youth Cell also organized a candle march in memory of a local Peace Committee member who lost her life during the Rath Yatra in Puri. During a dengue outbreak, Youth Cell members collaborated with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to conduct surveys in vulnerable areas. Ten members were selected for this initiative, contributing to community safety while gaining valuable experience. Overall, the project significantly strengthened community participation, leadership, and social cohesion. It not only improved health awareness among residents but also transformed the participating youth into responsible and proactive community leaders, fostering lasting positive change.