UNICEF and Darpana Train Peer Educators for Valsad Villagers

In its continuing collaboration with UNICEF, Darpana is training 50 young people from 25 villages in the Valsad area as peer educators. These young people will be taught skills ranging from developing board games to working on scripts, songs, jingles, and short plays that deal with issues of maternal and child health, HIV and hygiene. The four month project is divided into three one-week workshops where the group will train at Darpana, followed by three month-long interactions in their own villages. Efficacy is being monitored by benchmark surverys on related issues at the beginning and end of the project. The first weeks training will end September 6th. The youngsters have already produced 40 innovative jingles and 6 skits.

The Darpana team is led by lyricist and development theatre specialist Mayank Oza. Other's working on the project are Ujwal Dave and Jignesh. A written report and video document of the process is being maintained.