The natural way

he importance of organising youth is clearly demonstrated when youthful energies are channeled towards social transformation. A Wednesday workshop documented the experiences of two groups involved in organising young people, Friends Society in India and Arugaan in the Philippines.

Arugaan, a support system for working women, conducted a lecture session at Phillipines universities to educate students about breastfeeding. The lectures inspired students to come forward to learn more, and many are now actively involved in the promotion and support of breastfeeding through counselling sessions and helping at day care centres.

Friends Society, which works with handicapped children, was started in 1969 by students of the Faculty of Social Work because the educational institutions had closed down when the city was in the midst of political turmoil. Volunteers stay on with Friends Society during their four years of University. They identify the priority areas of work, mostly in health and social issues, undertake fundraising and ensure the implementation of their programmes. 

The Child Health Care Centre run by Friends Society in India carries out immunisation programmes, guidance to lactating mothers and regular health check-ups for children up to the age of five years.