DCT’s Health & Well-being Programme is one of our key projects. One of the new addition is At the children’s home, the children delight in the nutritious and delicious food provided by DCT. They savor the fresh, organic flavors of Himalayan cuisine, from vibrant green vegetables to protein-packed eggs and dairy. Each bite promotes their health, growth, and overall well-being, fostering not just physical strength but also a sense of joy and contentment. The diverse and wholesome meals bring smiles to their faces and energy to their days, ensuring that every child feels nourished and cared for. This transformative impact on their daily lives is a testament to the power of good nutrition in nurturing young minds and bodies.
At the beginning of 2022, DCT began funding the employment of Dr. Shreya and a small team of nurses to oversee the well-being of the children at the Children’s Home and also the sponsored children who live with their parents/guardians. In addition, dental surgeons from West Sikkim have set up a regular dental camp for DCT children. The dentists offer their services voluntarily and generously bring their own equipment to the dental camps, where children receive check-ups and treatment as well as attending an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programme around dental health and hygiene.
Dr. Ansari from Darjeeling also volunteers to conduct an eye camp at the Children’s Home, offering eye tests and health checks to around 130 children along with the KBM staff. The DCT’s Health and Hygiene team, composed of Dr. Shreya and two nurses, also support the eye camps. Any children who are found to need glasses are offered follow-up checks at the doctor’s office, and costs for glasses are covered by DCT.
Each weekend morning, the boys and girls at the Home partake in a yoga class taught by Donna, which helps to keep the children fit and healthy, especially after the emotionally testing time experienced by all during the lockdowns. Various other activities are also regularly conducted, such as live fire drills in which all children participate, an orientation on Human Trafficking by MARG NGO, and lessons on girls’ hygiene given by Rotary Club Darjeeling and Darjeeling Prerna.
