The Rainbow Community Project was started to raise awareness among school children aged 11 to 17 about the harmful impacts and health risks of tobacco smoking. Adolescents account for 21% of the overall population in India, and research has indicated that this is the age at which the majority of people begin smoking. Adolescents succumb to tobacco addiction due to the ease with which tobacco products are available near schools, the powerful impact of the media in pushing tobacco use, and the fact that few parents themselves are role models for cigarette usage.

CCF’s team of counsellors, social workers, and doctors contact the school administration and performs an in-depth session on the risks of tobacco. The sessions include a doctor’s talk on the dangers of tobacco, a video presentation, the distribution of pamphlets/posters to be displayed on school grounds, awareness of educational institution rules and changes, and QA sessions for students and staff.