MUKTI Builds Diabetes Awareness Among Children Through Stories and Play

Recognising the importance of building healthy habits from an early age, MUKTI Urban Project, with support from United Way Mumbai, organised an interactive Diabetes Awareness Workshop at Singhibagan School SDP, Jorasanko, Kolkata, on 7 October 2026.

The workshop brought together more than 100 children aged 4 to 15 years from MUKTI Kisholoy School, along with their parents, to learn about diabetes, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices through storytelling, games, and participatory activities.

Guided by the belief that “Prevention is better than cure,” the initiative aimed to make essential health information understandable, engaging, and relevant to children’s everyday lives.

Why Early Diabetes Awareness Matters

Diabetes remains a growing public health concern in India and across the world. According to the ICMR-INDIAB study published in 2023, approximately 101 million adults in India were living with diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation projects that the number of adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes worldwide could reach 853 million by 2050.

Unhealthy dietary patterns and insufficient physical activity are among the modifiable risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. Limited awareness of symptoms and preventive measures can also contribute to delayed detection and treatment.

Against this backdrop, MUKTI’s workshop focused on introducing children and their families to the importance of nutrition, active living, and recognising potential warning signs, while encouraging informed health decisions.

Making Health Education Engaging Through Stories

The workshop moved beyond conventional classroom instruction by using humour, storytelling, and interactive exercises to introduce diabetes-related concepts in an age-appropriate manner.

A central feature was the story of Arjun, a cricket-loving child, which helped participants understand health-related situations through a familiar and relatable character.

Through the story, children were introduced to diabetes, its possible warning signs, and the importance of appropriate medical treatment and care. The discussion also reinforced that people living with diabetes can manage the condition with suitable medical guidance and healthy daily practices.

The storytelling approach encouraged children to participate actively, ask questions, and connect the lessons with their own experiences.

Learning About Balanced Nutrition Through the Healthy Plate

Another important component of the workshop was the Healthy Plate discussion, which introduced children to balanced meals using affordable, locally available fruits, vegetables, and familiar foods.

Interactive nutrition activities helped participants understand the roles of different nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, in supporting energy, growth, and overall wellbeing. The session also emphasised the benefits of regular physical activity, choosing water over sugary drinks, and developing balanced eating habits.

By focusing on practical examples from everyday family meals, the workshop demonstrated that healthier choices do not necessarily require expensive or unfamiliar foods.

Reinforcing Healthy Habits Through Play

The workshop concluded with an engaging “Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down” activity, in which children identified healthy and unhealthy habits based on examples discussed during the session.

The activity offered a simple and enjoyable way to reinforce key messages while allowing facilitators to observe how well the children had understood the concepts.

Their enthusiastic participation and responses reflected the effectiveness of combining health education with interactive learning.

Bringing Families and Educators Together

The presence of parents was an important aspect of the initiative, helping connect the children’s learning with daily practices at home.

The programme was attended by Ms. Mousumi Gupta, Project Manager of MUKTI Urban Project, other project staff, teachers from Mukti Support Schools (MSS) and Mukti Kishalaya Support Schools (MKSS), and representatives of United Way Mumbai.

Their participation reflected a collaborative effort to strengthen preventive health awareness among children and families. Refreshments were served to all participants at the conclusion of the workshop.

Nurturing a Health-Conscious Generation

MUKTI believes that academic learning, life skills, and health awareness are interconnected aspects of a child’s holistic development. Introducing children to healthy habits at an early age can help them develop a stronger understanding of personal wellbeing and encourage informed choices as they grow.

Involving parents further strengthens this approach by creating opportunities for children to discuss and practise what they have learned within their families.

Through community-based initiatives such as this workshop, MUKTI Urban Project continues to promote preventive health education and practical learning opportunities, making important health information more accessible to children and their communities.

By nurturing awareness among today’s children, MUKTI aims to contribute towards a healthier, better-informed, and more health-conscious next generation.