Rural and urban environments often suffer from civic issues and chaotic cityscapes, compromising quality of life. We believe citizens have the right to shape their environment, fostering stewardship, ownership, and equity through sustainable urbanism. Community engagement is vital for sustainable development, ensuring community needs are integrated into planning and plays a pivotal role in government, NGOs, businesses, and healthcare.
The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) emphasizes social responsibility and community engagement, aiming to produce well-rounded, engaged citizens. Aligning with NEP-2020, Amity University Haryana (AUH) has implemented its Curriculum and Credit Framework (NCFUG), incorporating community engagement as a crucial component, including a mandatory 3-credit community service course for undergraduate programs. This course equipped students with knowledge, skills, and motivation to tackle global challenges, fostering proactive community engagement and sustainable solutions. Through experiential learning, case studies, and collaborations with local communities, students will develop practical skills and nuanced understanding of sustainability complexities. Actionable strategies for addressing Sustainable Development Goals students, during their summer break engaged with the Community based organizations like Self-help groups, non-governmental organizations, volunteerism, corporate social responsibility, local bodies such as gram panchayat, Anganwadi, Resident Welfare Association and alike.
During the 3 weeks of their engagement with the community, students opted to address the issues specific to alleviate hunger, promote and crate awareness for good health and wellbeing, promoting quality education, addressing gender inequalities, significance of sanitation and clean water, waste management and recycling and many more.
Students from AUH actively supported the 17 SDG Goals and contributed majorly to the areas pertaining to SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 6, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 15.
Understanding the significance of SDG 3, the students of Amity Medical School have undertaken a diverse range of community projects addressing critical health issues and promoting holistic well-being. Their investigations have explored the impact of proper hygiene, nutrition, and exercise on overall health; the transformative potential of sustainable yoga and nutrition practices; and the harmful effects of medication on human health. Other studies have focused on metabolic diseases, dietary awareness, food safety and security, eating out habits and obesity, cholesterol management, and malnutrition. Conducted in various regions, including Kuwait, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, these studies demonstrate the students' commitment to understanding and addressing health disparities, particularly in vulnerable communities. By employing mixed-methods approaches, surveys, and educational interventions, these initiatives aim to inform evidence-based practices, promote healthy behaviors, and contribute to the betterment of public health outcomes. Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students from Amity school of Biotechnology undertook various community engagement projects focusing on social and environmental issues. The projects included working with NGOs for sustainable growth, addressing gaps in societal development, and promoting social justice. Animal protection and welfare, including veterinary practices and raising awareness about animal welfare issues, Palliative care programs, integrating physiotherapy to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Community mobilization and empowerment, forming self-help groups for rural women, healthcare support in government hospitals, bridging gaps between patients and healthcare providers, educational initiatives, including teaching in government schools, promoting educational equity, environmental conservation through tree plantation drives. social work and volunteering in hospitals, addressing multifaceted patient needs, Solid waste management surveys, promoting sustainable urban development and projects with organizations like SUDHA Society, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives. Nevertheless, these projects demonstrate the students' commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, and sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly other students of Amity University Haryana- Amity Business School, Amity College of Commerce, Amity school of Economics, Amity school of Behavioral and applied science, Amity Institute of Information Technology, Amity School of Applied Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Liberal Arts, School of Communication have contributed to the community by taking up projects related to Learning, Growth and Development" at Lotus Petal Foundation, focusing on donor engagement and data management. Empowering Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" at Uma Educational & Technical Society (UETS), enhancing life skills and social interaction. Bridging Gaps through Quality Education" with Badlaav Foundation, supporting underprivileged students. Community Engagement and Social Awareness Through Education" with Taleem Society, promoting education and health awarenes. Promoting Good Health and Well-Being through NGO Work," educating communities on healthy lifestyles and hygiene. Improving Eye Health Access in Underserved Regions" at Bardiya Eye Hospital, Nepal, providing affordable eye care services. Students have also dwelled on the areas of Corporate social responsibilities and explore effective community engagement strategies for sustainable development at Jaquar, addressing the concern for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation" with Dream Girl Foundation, improving access to water and sanitation. Education and Empowerment by Social Awareness through Education and Camps" with Yatan NGO, promoting literacy, hygiene, and women's empowerment, Impact of Evoluer Solutions," supporting individuals with special needs through inclusive education, Edu Explorers," fostering cognitive and emotional growth through interactive sessions.
"Education and Empowerment" for underprivileged communities, ensuring access to basic human rights and environmental sustainability. These projects demonstrate the students' commitment to addressing global challenges and creating positive change.
These community engagement projects demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts between NGOs and students in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. By empowering youth, promoting inclusive education, addressing environmental issues, and ensuring access to basic rights, these initiatives contribute to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society.
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