Children spread a safety message on behalf of the corporation

Two children made headlines in a Silabam demonstration conducted by Division 96 of the Greater Chennai Corporation on March 19 at the Ayanavaram market near the Corporation School to create awareness about vaccination and COVID-19.

Dressed in black and with a mask, s. Kritika Sri and Yalini, both 10 years old, were part of a five-member team reinforcing the public health message on behalf of the corporation.

Over the past year, many children like her have had the opportunity to be a part of the roadshow, which has led to the awareness of COVID-19, a non-governmental organization working with the Neelam Foundation, GCC.

Children from Dalit communities learn a new art – including Silambattam and Oyilattam – and also become active campaigners in this fight against COVID.

“Out of 550 students in 10 Neelam educational centers running in the city, 200 are being trained in Silambam. Theater and sports are also part of the curriculum.

For example, the Saga Silambam team is coaching these children between the ages of five and 15 on weekends in Silambam.

Kritika’s mother, Santa Lakshmi, says, “During the lockdown, he had online classes in Silbam that kept him in touch with the art form.” His daughter has been learning martial arts for the last three years and has also participated in district level competitions.

“The main purpose of imparting life skills to these children is to develop their creativity, overcome stage fear and give them a chance,” says Muthamiz.

Martial arts trainer Karthik Raja says that his students are helping to keep this art alive. “Anyone can pick up this skill and what we’ve seen is that it increases the confidence level of the physician,” King says. The epidemic was an opportunity for many of them to showcase their skills. “In the last one year, we did at least 50 road shows in different parts of the city and each time we ensured participation from different students,” says Muthamiz. ”

But isn’t there a risk of exposing children to such awareness programs in these times? Mutamiz says that children give more power to a campaign.

“We have seen that when children speak or perform, they sit and pay attention. These are not closed-door incidents, but we try to get people’s attention in public places. In addition, we ensure that all safety protocols are being followed by children.

By involving children in the fight against COVID, they help their communities take the message. Kritika, a Class IV student at Cambridge Nursery, says, “All my friends in the neighborhood know that my Silambam classes are helping to support a good cause, so we should pay attention to social distinctions and regular hand washing messages is required.” primary school.

Mutamizah is based on the example of the rape team doing a commendable job in Ayanavaram. “These children have formed a team that follows SOP by visiting shops in their area and creating awareness about prevention of COVID-19.”