Ambuja Foundation’s team carried out Tobacco-Free campaigns in schools in the region, creating awareness amongst students, parents and school management committees on the ill-effects of tobacco consumptions.

At the time, parents also began to suspect their children involved in tobacco consumption at the senior secondary school in Buladewala, Punjab. Though no signs of tobacco-selling were seen on campus, it was clear something was not correct. A little investigation led to finding out that the local shops around the school were selling tobacco to students which raised a major concern.

The school management immediately acted upon the issue and began to warn shopkeepers, informing local authorities on any illicit sales around the school premises. The school launched multi-layered activations with parents and students counselling, awareness sessions, roleplays and strict checks and follow-ups.

Transformational changes were seen. Students began carrying awareness messages home, became young ambassadors, world tobacco day rallies were organized and continued efforts remained with teacher check-ins, community engagements and personal counselling.

Today no vendor dares to sell tobacco near the campus anymore.