When students take classes in organ donation

When a biology lesson on organ systems generated immense interest among Class VIII students of The Pupil International School, the biology teacher Mathura saw an opportunity for an extended class, one about organ donation helmed by subject matter experts from Mohan Foundation. The session eventually led to the formation of Organ Donation Awareness Club led by 25 Class VIII students.

When a biology lesson on organ systems generated immense interest among Class VIII students of The Pupil International School, the biology teacher Mathura saw an opportunity for an extended class, one about organ donation helmed by subject matter experts from Mohan Foundation. The session eventually led to the formation of Organ Donation Awareness Club led by 25 Class VIII students.

In February, the Club conducted an awareness campaign at the school with a skit and a song, thoughtfully executed by the students to engage their peers. A short film Second Beat with students, parents and teachers as actors sends out a powerful message on grief, hope and courage inherent in the process of organ donation. 

As an extension of Club’s activities, students are reaching out to the communities around them. In a rangoli competition at her gated community in Iyyappanthangal, Aadhira K. drew a design to draw residents’ attention to organ donation. Her classmates Deepthi T. has met 15 residents at her gated community in Porur to throw light on organ donation. And Shivam S. along with a group is getting a skit on the topic ready to present it at a city college. 

Mohan Foundation, a Chennai-based non-profit promoting organ donation, transplantation and public awareness started ‘Angels of Change’ before the pandemic to encourage young voices to become advocates for the cause. Over the last two years, this programme has been customised for school students, and it travels across the country. 

Before the pandemic, students of Punjab Association Group of Schools in Chennai signed up for the ‘Angels of Change’ programme. Two schools from Delhi have initiated this programme for their highschoolers. Likewise, Mumbai also has schools that are showing interest in running this programme as a club activity.

Hemal Kanvinde, Quality Assurance Officer, Mohan Foundation, says some students sign up as individuals, either taking it up during their summer or winter break or as an internship.