Ms ZARINE GARCIA {Director, Youth Leadership Development at Study Hall Educational Foundation }(SHEF)

She is trained as a holistic reproductive health practitioner and fertility awareness educator.

Conducted an awareness session on the issues of adolescence and understanding Puberty for  students of grades 4-7 on 17^th August at Study Hall School, Deva road campus.

It aimed to  provide age-appropriate, scientific information about puberty and to equip adolescents with knowledge and coping strategies to deal with physical, emotional, and social changes during this phase.

Questions like -What is puberty? Age of onset and why it happens and physical changes associated with it like growth spurt, body odour, acne, voice change, emotional changes like  mood swings, peer pressure, self-esteem, importance of hygiene, dealing with stress, anxiety, and body image issues, importance of talking to parents, teachers, and doctors-, espect for self and others, and understanding personal boundaries were actively discussed.

For Girls:Menstruation: What it is, cycle, and hygiene , its management, Use and disposal of sanitary pads and modern devices like cups, Common myths vs facts about periods were taken up.

For Boys:Voice change, facial hair , what is normal hygiene and how to respect these changes in each other was communicated and discussed.

The sesion was interactive with presentations, Q&A, myth-busting activity, and separate doubt-clearing corners for girls and boys to ensure comfort.

Many questions were asked about periods, body odor, acne, and mood swings. These were addressed factually without shame.

Students were encouraged to approach teachers/parents/counselor for any concern instead of relying on myths or internet.

The session was successful in breaking myths and building awareness.