UNICEF and Jharkhand Education Project Council launch initiative for holistic adolescent development in Ranchi

Ranchi: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), India, and the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) are working on a programme to promote holistic development of adolescents in the state.As part of the initiative, the first phase of training for nodal teachers from all Kasturba Gandhi Balika Awasiya Vidyalayas (KGBVs), Jharkhand Balika Awasiya Vidyalayas (JBAVs), and 100 selected secondary and higher secondary schools in Ranchi district was conducted last week. The training focused on equipping educators with innovative tools and approaches to address the diverse needs of adolescents.A central component of the programme, titled 'Strengthening Adolescence Engagement through KYON Cards and Aadha-Full Comic: A Statewide Training and Monitoring Initiative', is the Aadha-Full Comic, a set of 10 comic booklets developed by UNICEF. These comics aim to help students understand critical issues such as gender equality, body shaming, emotional development, and psychosocial well-being in an engaging and relatable format.Alongside this, the KYON Card has been introduced as a tool to strengthen parent-teacher engagement. The card will be used during parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) to ensure active parental participation in adolescent development and create stronger school–community linkages.JEPC’s state programme officer Avinav Kumar said, “The initiative is not only designed to empower teachers but also to build confidence, sensitivity, and life skills among adolescents across the state. By fostering open dialogue and creating safe learning spaces, the programme seeks to prepare adolescents to face challenges with resilience and positivity.”