In the densely populated BKC area of Mumbai, children in municipal schools often face barriers to accessing timely healthcare, nutrition guidance, and essential hygiene awareness. Project Saksham, The WE Foundation’s flagship model school initiative, is bridging this critical gap by placing child health at the center of school development.
Saksham integrates health screenings, preventive care, hygiene education, and community health awareness into everyday school life — ensuring that every child receives the care and knowledge they need to grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient.
Bringing Healthcare to the School Gate
Under Saksham’s Health & Nutrition component, comprehensive services are delivered directly within the school premises. These include:
- Pediatric health checkups for early identification of illnesses
- Nutritional assessments (height, weight, MUAC, BMI) to monitor growth patterns
- One-on-one counseling for children and parents, addressing deficiencies, diet, and lifestyle
- Distribution of generic medicines during school-based health camps
- Follow-up for high-risk children requiring further medical care
Through these efforts, children who previously lacked regular access to healthcare are now receiving timely support without missing school.
Health Camps That Reach Every Child
Regular health camps have become one of Saksham’s strongest interventions. Conducted inside school campuses and supported by medical teams, these camps provide:
- Doctor consultations
- Growth monitoring
- Screening for anemia, dental issues, infections, and skin conditions
- Basic medications
- Referrals for specialized care
These camps have uncovered cases of iron-deficiency anemia, vision issues, untreated infections, and developmental concerns — enabling early treatment and reducing the long-term impact on children’s physical and academic growth.
Hygiene as Prevention: WASH Education Reinforced in Daily Life
Through interactive workshops and demonstrations, children learn essential health-protective habits such as:
- Correct handwashing technique
- Oral hygiene and toothbrushing routines
- Menstrual hygiene awareness for adolescent girls
- Cleanliness and sanitation practices
- Safe water and storage habits
These practices are gradually becoming part of their daily routine inside and outside the school — helping prevent illness and reduce absenteeism.
Health Awareness Sessions and Interactive Workshops
Saksham conducts a series of school-based health sessions covering:
- Nutrition and healthy eating
- Puberty and adolescent health
- Mental health awareness and stress management
- Disease prevention and hygiene behavior
- First aid basics for children
These workshops allow children to ask questions, share concerns, and understand their bodies better — building confidence and health literacy from a young age.
Capacity Building With WHO: Immunisation and Public Health Training
Project Saksham has earned recognition from global public health leaders. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) visited the project schools, conducting:
- Training sessions on immunization, vaccination schedules, and cold chain basics
- Discussions with teachers and staff on strengthening school health systems
- Interactive sessions with children on disease prevention and hygiene
The WHO team’s engagement reinforces Saksham’s alignment with global child health goals and elevates the quality of school-based healthcare delivery.
Creating a Health-Responsive School Environment
What makes Saksham unique is its ability to transform schools into health-responsive ecosystems. Teachers, parents, students, and community members are all included in the journey through:
- Parent counseling on nutrition and home hygiene
- Teacher capacity-building workshops
- Creation of school health clubs
- Involvement of student “changemakers” who promote healthy habits among peers
This holistic approach ensures that health messages go beyond classrooms and reach households across the community.
Building a Healthier Future, One School at a Time
By reaching 10,000 children, Project Saksham is redefining what child health looks like in public schools. Early screening, continuous follow-up, hygiene adoption, and global-standard training are empowering children to grow stronger and healthier every day.
Saksham is not just improving health outcomes — it is building a generation of informed, confident, and health-aware young citizens.
In Mumbai’s urban landscape, Project Saksham is proving that a healthier child is a stronger learner — and a stronger future for the community.