Early marriage, low educational attainment of girls, high levels of gender-based segregation, restrictions and violence against girls, lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health – these are among the important problems that plague adolescents. Kishor Varta (Discussion with Adolescents) Audio Programme is an innovative way of starting conversations with adolescents on these issues in the community and in schools.
‘Kishor Varta’ comprises interactive audio stories in Hindi which adolescents can engage with by dialing a toll free phone number. The stories raise issues of gender, health and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Callers are engaged in each short story through a set of colourful fictional characters and a storyline that moves forward from one level to the next after entering a response from multiple options.
The stories are: Lakhanpur ka Raju (Raju of Lakhanpur), Dada ka Gussa (Grandfather’s Anger), Haldi ki Jaldi (Hurry to Get Married) and Dulhan ki Baatein (A Bride’s Conversation). Three Seasons of stories have been put out.
The stories lead to personal reflection particularly by adolescent boys and young men. They are also a tool for discussions in schools and other places in the community where youngsters meet.
The Kishor Varta programme has also been used in schools as a formal learning curriculum for adolescents.
The audio stories are linked to community level programmes with adolescents, implemented in partnership with Manjari Sansthan, Bundi district and Vikalp Sansthan, Udaipur district
The programme was awarded the Vodafone-Nasscom Mobile for Good Award
