Visit to Planet Mars Foundation, organised by St Agnes College

Mangaluru: The Post Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, as a part of the curriculum, visited the Planet Mars Foundation, Udupi, on February 24, 2024, a home for children.

The objective of the visit was to spread awareness about adolescents’ well-being and challenges faced during this phase and to understand their living conditions. Upon arrival, the students were warmly greeted by the staff and introduced to the residents. The facility appeared well-maintained, with a serene and comfortable environment.

The students started with an ice-breaking session with an activity and then were provided with a session related to study habits, self-concept, and various methods to challenge them. They also engaged in various activities, including making a study routine for themselves for the day, talking about themselves based on the questions asked based on the numbers coming on the dice, and playing an action game. The session gave an idea about different study techniques that can be used in their day-to-day study sessions and about self-concept and its components. The activities made them physically active, and it helped the students interact with the children. The sanitary napkins were distributed as there was a session on menstrual hygiene.

This personalized interaction would have made children feel valued and cherished. The visit to the orphanage was a rewarding experience for both the residents and the students as well. The joy and gratitude expressed by the residents highlighted the importance of companionship and the positive impact that such interactions can have on their well-being. It also reminded us of the value of acknowledging and respecting wisdom. The students intend to continue to visit and explore opportunities for regular engagement with the residents, as these interactions contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation among the patients.