Awareness Raising on Cancer Prevention Through Arts : A reflection on my work with Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer.

During my first two semesters as a Master of Social Work student at the University of Delhi, I was placed with Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer (LBC) for my fieldwork. Sanjeevani LBC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing holistic and comprehensive cancer care across India. Under the guidance of my fieldwork and agency supervisors, I was introduced to a new realm of community health education, patient care, and stakeholder engagement.

As part of my fieldwork experience, I took the insights and tools gained from Sanjeevani and conducted cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle awareness events in selected senior high schools, churches, and other institutions in Ghana. Through these events, I was privileged to reach and impact over 2,050 participants.

Livingstone facilitated a session on cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle for students at Human Factor Leadership Academy Senior High School

This experience sharpened my skills in public speaking, stakeholder coordination, planning, and event promotion. It also laid the groundwork for my independent study on misconceptions surrounding breast cancer in Ghana and how they affect screening behaviour and awareness levels.

But what made this experience truly special was the integration of art exhibitions into the awareness events. Students from the various senior high schools used drawings, paintings, collage works, poems, music, and spoken word to express their understanding of cancer and its impact. These creative expressions deepened their learning and empowered the youth to use their talents for social change.

Through this, I discovered a deeper synergy between my passion for art and my commitment to community development. It confirmed for me that art is not just an outlet; it’s a powerful tool for education, healing, and advocacy.

Artworks of students from the Visual Arts department were displayed to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco on human health.

Selected students were awarded certificates and art resources for their outstanding and creative artworks.

Looking ahead, my long-term vision for Deep Creative Arts (DCA) is to establish community-based Art Centres across Ghana, which will become spaces where young people can explore the performing and creative arts while learning to become responsible, impactful citizens. I believe in the transformative power of art, and this experience reminded me that when we give people the tools to express themselves, we also give them the tools to change their world.

Special thanks to the Sanjeevani LBC team, my faculty and agency supervisors, the Educational Directorates, School Heads, Visual Arts departments, and every partner who contributed to the success of these interventions.







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