KIDS CAN Project

The KIDS CAN Project is an innovative initiative designed to empower children with knowledge and skills to promote cancer awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles within schools and the broader community. By engaging children as advocates for cancer prevention, the project aims to create a culture of compassion, awareness, and proactive health practices.

The project is spearheaded by Swasthi Foundation in collaboration with the Kerala Association of Surgical Oncology (KASO).

Objectives

Educate and train students as peer trainers: Selected students will form KIDS CAN clubs in their schools.
Promote knowledge about cancer prevention: Focus on food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Foster advocacy and responsibility: Encourage students to act as ambassadors for cancer awareness.
Build a network for healthy living: Connect students, schools, and communities to work collectively towards cancer prevention.

Programme Framework

Student Trainers Selection
Swasthi Foundation and KASO will collaborate with school administrations to select 100 students for the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme.

Selection Criteria:
- Passionate about making a difference in cancer care
- Strong communication skills
- Students from Grade VII onwards, representing diverse backgrounds
Training Module
Students will participate in a comprehensive ToT programme led by oncologists and health experts, covering:
- Cancer awareness: types, risk factors, signs, symptoms, prevention, and support resources
- Nutrition education and lifestyle modifications
- Effective communication, presentation skills, and engagement strategies
Training Workshops
A one-day intensive workshop will provide practical exercises to enhance:
- Public speaking
- Leadership and critical thinking skills
- Cancer awareness education, guided by KASO experts

Monitoring and Evaluation

Impact assessment of training programmes and awareness campaigns through structured pre- and post-training surveys
Surveys to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour changes among students and families at regular intervals
Regular feedback from students to improve programme effectiveness
AHybrid platform for trainers to exchange ideas, best practices, and coordinate large-scale initiatives

Database and Documentation

All activities will be recorded in a central database
Documentation includes reports, photographs, videos, and written records of key events and challenges
Publications will be prepared to share insights, achievements, and lessons learned for advancing cancer prevention

Expected Outcomes

Students trained as effective peer educators on cancer prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles
Increased student engagement and knowledge in cancer awareness
Strengthened collaboration among schools, fostering a collective effort for community health

Pilot Implementation

The pilot project will be implemented at Saraswathi Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, Trivandrum:

Each KIDS CAN club member will lead sessions for 35 students to reach all 3,500 students
Course materials, videos, and presentations will be provided
Students will operate under supervision of teachers, oncologists, and health experts
A hybrid platform will monitor progress, share knowledge, and evaluate impact

The KIDS CAN Programme represents a valuable investment in the future health of students and the wider community. By participating, schools can help shape a healthier, more informed society through proactive cancer awareness and lifestyle education.