Alert 8.0 - Phase 01
~From Awareness to Action – The Cancer Awareness Programme~
In an impactful event dedicated to improving health literacy and empowering children minds, Alert 8.0 project team of Leo Club of University of Colombo recently organized a Cancer Awareness Session and Pediatric Cancer Workspace for students of Holy Family Convent Wennappuwa, held on 23rd October from 9:30 AM onwards in the school premises. As the most outstanding Leo Club of Leo District 306 C1, The Leo Club of University of Colombo engage in different kind of projects each year all over the country. This initiative focused on safeguarding the health and future of children by educating them on cancer prevention, early detection, and awareness. The highlight of the event was an insightful session led by Mrs. Kanchana Wijesinghe, a respected Surgeon, Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardhanapura. She captivated the audience with her expertise and compassion as she spoke on the intricacies of cancer, particularly its gradual spread through the body and the significance of identifying early symptoms. By breaking down complex scientific concepts, she equipped students with essential knowledge on cancer detection, offering guidance on routine self-checks and the benefits of regular health screenings. This session provided students with a solid understanding of how early detection can drastically improve the chances of successful treatment, potentially saving lives.
Following the informative session, students were invited to participate in a hands-on Pediatric Cancer Workspace, where they were divided into groups to create educational posters on different types of pediatric cancers. This activity allowed students to creatively express their understanding of cancers that could affect children, such as Leukemia, Neuroblastoma, and Brain tumors. As they worked together to design posters, they became more familiar with the ways these cancers manifest and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.
As October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the session also dedicated time to discussing breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide. In discussing this critical topic with the students, the Leo Club of University of Colombo Alert project team aimed to prepare young girls for the future by raising awareness about the importance of self-examination and the need for breast health awareness. By educating students on breast cancer at an early age, this initiative sought to foster a generation that values and prioritizes preventive health measures. And also we recently launched an engaging video series on social media titled "Do You Know?", dedicated to raising cancer awareness. Through these videos, we took to the streets to capture candid responses from everyday people, gathering insights into the level of awareness about various types of cancer. The series unfolded daily, building anticipation and sparking conversations ahead of the first phase of our project. Our aim is not only to educate but also to encourage a proactive approach toward cancer prevention and early detection.
By addressing such a crucial health issue early, Leo Club of University of Colombo is not only imparting valuable information but also fostering a culture of awareness and proactive health monitoring among students. This session on cancer awareness and the workspace on pediatric cancer highlight the power of education to shape a healthier, more informed generation. Informed students, empowered to take control of their health, can ultimately drive positive change in their communities and contribute to the global fight against cancer.The Cancer Awareness Session, Pediatric Cancer Workshop and Pediatric Cancer Awareness Video Series exemplify how youth initiatives can serve as a catalyst for lasting change, not only equipping children minds with the knowledge they need today but also inspiring them to be advocates for health and wellness in the future.
- Leo Bomini Ratnayake -
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