DIMAPUR — The children’s parliament initiative, under the aegis of the Development Association of Nagaland (DAN), organised sessions on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights at Assisi Evening School and Carmel Hr. Sec. School on July 26 and 28, respectively.
Dr. T Achila Lepden, general duty medical officer of the Adolescent Friendly Health Clinic (ADFC) under the District Hospital Dimapur, was the resource person for the sessions, in which she highlighted the services provided by the ADFC for adolescents.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The key points covered during the sessions were physical and emotional development during adolescence; maturity of sexual organs and development of sexual desire; menstrual hygiene; HIV/AIDS; and unwanted pregnancy. The participants also utilised the opportunity to clarify their doubts and queries with the resource person.
During the session, Rev. Fr. Sajan Joseph, director of DAN, exhorted the children to have a holistic approach to life in order to grow as healthy individuals. He stated that students' learning should encompass not just textbooks but also experiences gained from various engagements in daily life.