Nitte University’s MPH students bring joy to the girls at Snehadeep Home, Mangaluru

Nitte University’s MPH students bring joy to the girls at Snehadeep Home, Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 23, 2025: In a heartwarming initiative, students and faculty from Nitte’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program organized ‘High Five for Fun’ to spread joy among the young residents of Snehadeep Home for Girls at Bondel, Mangaluru. The event brought smiles to 22 HIV-infected girls living at the orphanage, thanks to weeks of planning, fundraising and dedication. The initiative began with two visits to Snehadeep to understand the children’s needs. This was followed by a ten-day fundraiser, ‘ABCD – Any Body Can Donate’, which encouraged contributions of Rs. 5 or more raising an impressive Rs. 41,237.68 from over 180 contributors.
 
On February 23, the Nitte MPH team arrived at Snehadeep, bringing not just gifts but also a day full of fun and laughter. The team included Dr. Malvika Nayak, Dr. Charan K. S., Dr. Risha Dutta, Dr. Navyashree N., Dr. Ashith P. C., Dr. Sushma Asadi, and faculty members Dr. Neevan D’Souza, Mr. Prajwal Jupiter Lobo and MPH coordinator Dr. Mackwin D’Mello who commenced the event by expressing his gratitude and reaffirming Nitte’s commitment to supporting Snehadeep in the future. Mrs. Tabassum, Managing Director of the orphanage, shared Snehadeep’s mission and the strength of the girls under their care expressing her gratitude and encouraged more engagement, stating, "Even if it’s not for donations, we would love for people to visit and conduct activities for at least half an hour every now and then - that alone makes a big difference to us."

 

 

The highlight of the event was a series of fun games, including ‘Simon Says,’ ‘Name Catch,’ ‘Dumb Charades’ and ‘Memory Tray,’ where the girls competed enthusiastically. The energy and excitement created a bond between the children and the Public Health team. A stunning dance performance by one of the girls added a special moment to the day.

Earlier, on February 21, the team handed over a month’s worth of groceries to Snehadeep. With the home’s monthly expenses around Rs. 50,000, such contributions helped meet their needs. To further support the home, the team also presented a cheque for Rs. 10,000.

As the event came to an end, the girls received personalized goodie bags, that included a beautifully crafted stole, a face towel with the child’s initials hand-embroidered on it, a set of rubber bands, and a writing kit comprising pencils, erasers, pens, a scale and a sharpener. Each kit was hand-packed and labelled over four days to ensure a personal touch. ‘High Five for Fun’ was more than just an event, it was a reminder of the power of kindness and community. The Nitte MPH team hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.