Last year (2016), Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore (ICS), in partnership with Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) raised funds to support children with cancer with its blockbuster production – “Maya Bazaar”. Students from many schools supported the cause. They came in large numbers to watch the play, made posters and held Anti-Smoking workshops in schools.
The ICS /BLT team conducted anti-smoking workshops for students (9th to12th grade) in schools across Bangalore. Students participated in Anti-Smoking workshops; then used theatre as a medium to present skits / plays based on this important social message.
The ICS and BLT teams were pleasantly surprised to see that student’s contribution towards this initiative did not end here. Students and teachers passionate about this cause have now taken it much beyond what was initially planned.
Here is a brief description of some of the great endeavours and projects by the students and teachers.
Donation by National Public School (NPS) HSR Layout students to Karunashraya:
In January 2017, Grade 6 students of National Public School, HSR Layout donated proceeds from a business acumen development project to Karunashraya. Teams of students, designed products, did market survey, reached out for loans, developed the products and sold them. They then donated the proceeds to Karunashraya – Bangalore Hospice Trust that provides free professional palliative care for advanced stage cancer patients who are beyond cure.
Donation by Students and Teachers of Kumaran to ICS:
On Feb 25th, 2017 students and teachers of Sri Kumaran Children’s Home did a wonderful project – “Painting for a Cause”. The idea was to sell the paintings to parents on their ‘Hobbies Display ‘ day. 45 paintings made by teachers and students were put up for sale and they donated the entire proceeds to ICS towards treatment of cancer affected children.
A student from NPS Koramangala started a “No Tobacco” drive:
Prithika Ramaiyer, a 12th grader from NPS Koramangala, started a “No Tobacco” drive. She met with people who are passionate about this cause, conceptualized a project that will continue during this year and beyond. In early March, 2017, she launched a Facebook page called TobbacNo. Facebook Page Link for TobbacNo: https://www.facebook.com/TobacNo.org/?fref=ts
In addition, she has launched an online campaign through which people can pledge to stay away from tobacco for the rest of their lives. This link is available for online registration to this campaign: https://indiancancersocietybangalore.org/tobacno-online-registration/
Please join hands with ICS, Bengaluru in its endeavour to create awareness about cancer and screen for early detection.
Author:
Arpita Bhattacharjee,
ICS Volunteer
