Adolescent Initiatives Uttaranchal (AIU) [Mar 2003-2006]

AIU was an endeavor of the "Adolescent Resource center" of RDI, HIHT' Dehradun which aimed towards enhancing the overall health and development of adolescents focusing on sexual and reproductive health, Improvement of health of adolescent mothers also including a special component on career opportunities and development needs of adolescents. Program was also known as 'PEHAL' in Hindi. It reached to more than 0.3 million population with directly benefiting more than thirty-two thousand male and female adolescents of 13-19 year age group. This project was implemented in the three districts (Dehradun, Udhamsingh Nagar & Nainital) of the state. This project also had an operational research component hence in each of these districts 2 blocks were selected as one being case and other being a control block.Main activities under the project were Behavior change communication activities, training of adolescents by PEHAL kit, organization of adolescents health clinics and Health camps, providing services to adolescents through adolescents resource center (organization of career fairs, school competitions, Intervillage competitions, skill building courses for both girls and boys etc.). Adolescent and village health committees were also developed to raise the adolescent's issues at community level.Training provided to adolescents was based on facilitative and experiential learning.The project also emphasized on developing linkages with the existing system of health, ICDS, education and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI's) .So that ownership for adolescents issues can be further strengthened to develop a community based partnership for addressing adolescent concerns . Read More