Adolescence is a time when the right information and support can shape lifelong health, choices, and confidence. Without safe spaces and trusted guidance, many young people face risks that affect their education, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
GARIMA, meaning Dignity, is ChildFund India’s adolescent sexual and reproductive health program that supports adolescents in making informed, safe, and confident decisions about their health and futures. Implemented with 17 local partners, the program responds to gaps in sexual and reproductive health knowledge, gender equality, and access to youth-friendly services.
India is home to over 253 million adolescents, many of whom face risks such as early marriage, unintended pregnancy, and unsafe sexual practices due to limited information, harmful social norms, and restricted access to services. The program addresses these challenges by building knowledge, life skills, and supportive environments that allow adolescents to exercise agency and dignity during this formative stage of life.
Adolescent Health Centres, known as Jigyasa Centres, provide accessible information, counselling, and referrals in spaces designed to feel safe and non-judgemental for young people.
Structured service days allow adolescents to discuss sensitive issues openly, ask questions, and seek guidance without fear or stigma.
Multi-day sessions with parents and caregivers address misconceptions, challenge harmful norms, and help create more supportive environments for adolescents, especially girls.
Over 250 peer educators, including both girls and boys, are trained and mentored to share information on health, relationships, gender equality, and life skills. Engaging boys as allies strengthens shared responsibility and respect.
By combining services, peer leadership, and family engagement, the program ensures relevance, acceptance, and long-term adoption within communities.
152 adolescent groups strengthened across intervention areas
100,000 adolescents reached through community and school-based efforts
10,214 young people regularly counselled and referred for adolescent sexual and reproductive health services
150,000+ adolescents directly and indirectly engaged by 2025
Adolescents, adults, and vulnerable population groups in rural Andhra Pradesh, including high-risk communities, through community- and system-based outreach.
Reached over 4,000 high-risk individuals across 2,000 villages, with 91% testing coverage in 2023–24 and strengthened prevention, referral, and stigma-reduction mechanisms aligned with government systems.
Adolescent girls in school and community settings, along with parents and teachers who shape supportive environments.
Engaged 2,485 girls through structured awareness sessions, contributing to an increase in sanitary napkin use from 32% to 62% and greater confidence around menstrual health.
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