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July 2025 was a month of meaningful engagement and far-reaching impact for the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC)program. Through a blend of teacher training, student life skills camps, counselling, and outreach initiatives, the team worked tirelessly to strengthen the emotional resilience of children, while also building awareness and capacity within their surrounding ecosystems—teachers, parents, and community members.
IKMSS Teacher Training
Six I Know My Student Solution Card (IKMSS) orientation programs were conducted this month, reaching 62 government school teachers from various regions of Puducherry. These sessions served as a vital platform to introduce educators to the core principles of ORC, with a special focus on identifying and addressing common behavioral and psychological challenges in students. Teachers were equipped with practical strategies to create supportive classroom environments, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and work collaboratively with parents and peers to address students’ needs. This teacher empowerment effort is crucial, as educators are the first point of contact for many children in distress.
Smart 40 Life Skills Camps
July saw the successful execution of four Smart-40 Life Skills Camps, with an impressive participation of 204 students (both boys and girls). The camps were designed as immersive, activity-based learning experiences aimed at nurturing key life skills such as leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. By engaging students in role-play, group challenges, and reflective discussions, the camps encouraged them to see themselves as active change-makers in their schools and communities. The program also emphasized the importance of empathy, self-confidence, and resilience—qualities that help children navigate both academic pressures and personal challenges.
Follow-Up Camps
Four follow-up sessions were held in different schools, benefiting 147 students. These sessions served as a bridge between past Smart-40 training and the students’ current realities. They provided an open space for children to revisit key concepts, share their personal experiences, and support one another through peer learning. Facilitators also used this opportunity to reinforce emotional well-being strategies, address ongoing concerns, and remind students of the value of self-awareness and self-care.
Counselling Support
ORC’s dedicated counselling team continued to provide direct mental health support. This month, they conducted 10 individual counselling sessions for students dealing with emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges, one parental counselling session to guide guardians in supporting their children, and one community counselling session to extend mental wellness awareness beyond school boundaries. The counselling efforts aimed not just at problem-solving, but also at empowering individuals to develop coping mechanisms, build confidence, and make healthier life choices.
Outreach Programs
At Vinayaga Mission Nursing College, 143 nursing students took part in an interactive session on youth mental health. The program addressed issues such as stress management, emotional awareness, and the importance of seeking help when needed—equipping future healthcare professionals to care for their own mental well-being while supporting others.
At KGHSS Nettapakkam, ORC participated in a large Parents Teachers Meeting (PTM), engaging with over 250 participants. This platform allowed for meaningful conversations about the role of parents in their children’s emotional and academic growth, while also strengthening parent-school partnerships for the holistic development of students.
Looking Ahead
July’s work stands as a testament to ORC’s belief that children thrive best in supportive environments that nurture their emotional, social, and intellectual growth. By empowering teachers, guiding students, counselling families, and engaging communities, ORC is creating a ripple effect—ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their potential.
If you have an innovative idea for bringing a positive change in Puducherry, please join hands by sharing it with us in driving Puducherry to become a model Union Territory.
Meditation Building Skills, Celebrating Achievements – July at the Bridge Education Centres Meditation STEM in Action