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CATCH India Overview

CATCH India will increase physical activity among school-aged children through CATCH PE Journeys, our impactful teacher-led physical education program that is cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable through our proven train-the-trainer model. CATCH PE Journeys positively influences a range of physical and mental health factors associated with improved student academic, social, and behavioral outcomes. This globally-supported and locally-driven initiative will in turn help address India’s rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by setting youth on a trajectory toward positive lifelong health.

CATCH Global Foundation expanded its global footprint with the launch of CATCH India, a collaboration that includes HRIDAY, India’s premier public health research organization, and the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. The initiative leverages the resources and expertise of two world-renowned research institutions in addition to our successful proven track record in global implementation of school-based health programs. CATCH India includes a specialized group of researchers, expert trainers, and an ever-growing network of local educators who steer program implementation and sustainability.



Program

CATCH PE JOURNEYS

Our K-8 physical education program, CATCH PE Journeys, is evidence-based and proven to increase student motivation and participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) through an engaging curriculum and wide-range of activities that are developmentally appropriate, accessible, and fun for students. Educators find CATCH PE Journeys easy to implement and highly value the professional development provided by CATCH trainers, which enhances fundamental skills in physical education, classroom management, and effective implementation.

CATCH PE Journeys can be replicated and implemented across continent lines due to its versatility, accessibility, and long-term ​effectiveness in addressing important children’s health concerns, such as nutrition and physical activity ​behaviors, and obesity. Furthermore, CATCH PE Journeys aligns with the Fit India Programme and the Government of India’s vision to promote physical activity among young people.

Our pilot study of 10 schools in Delhi showed strong evidence of program effectiveness in Indian educational context with a 136% increase in students’ MVPA.

In addition to reaching students in the United States and India, CATCH PE Journeys has a significant presence in Kenya and Latin America. A robust effort to bring whole child wellness in mind, heart, and body to students across the globe!


 

“I can’t thank my PE teacher enough for making us participate in the CATCH PE Journeys program! Every class, he teaches us new skills and exercises, making sure we are always learning and improving. Thanks to CATCH PE Journeys, fitness has become a fun and important part of our lives!”

– Indian Student


“Since our school PE teacher started to implement CATCH PE Journeys, I have discovered my love for yoga and taekwondo. It’s not just about exercise – it’s about finding what we enjoy and staying healthy. I look forward to PE class every week!”

– Indian Student

 

Impact

In India, the need for high-quality student physical education is imperative where NCDs ​due to sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. NCDs account for 65% of all deaths, with preventable premature ​deaths making up almost half of this mortality ​rate.

India has the largest youth population with over 250 million children attending school annually. A school-based program, such as CATCH PE Journeys, is therefore the most appropriate and cost-effective solution to prevent the onset of NCDs. Studies indicate that school health ​promotion improves youth long-term physical ​activity, healthy eating, mental health, and ​student academic performance.

CATCH India will focus dissemination efforts on schools with students from low to middle socio-economic backgrounds. Schools will receive the CATCH PE Journeys curriculum, supporting physical education ​equipment, and professional development.


Makes physical education more inclusive and promotes physical and mental well-being

Expands professional development and curriculum access opportunities for teachers to lead physical education

Supports the heterogeneous infrastructure of private schools, which educate 50% of children

Social Investment

Through a combination of grant and private funding, CATCH India aims to partner with over 1,500 schools in 10 ​areas to reach 225,000 schoolchildren at an average cost of 18 USD or ​1,494 INR per child. The project will proceed in phases as funds are raised over the course of several years.

Budget Allocation

Cost per school: $3,250 USD / 269,000 INR
Cost per child: $18 USD / 1,494 INR

Phase Timeline Areas Schools Budget
1 2024 – 2025 Delhi & Mumbai 100 325K USD / 26.9M INR
2 2026 – 2027 Add 3 areas including 1 small city 400 1.175M USD / 97.5M INR
3 2028 – 2029 Add 5 areas including 1 rural community 1,000 2.5M USD / 207.5M INR
Total 2024 – 2029 10 areas 1500 4M USD / 332M INR

Your investment in India’s youth through an individual or corporate donation will go directly to program implementation.

United States-based donors can donate through the button below and list “CATCH India” in the Notes/Comments box. India-based donors can contribute through HRIDAY, who has CSR-1 Certifications, by contacting Dr. Mansi Chopra at [email protected].

Donate


 

“I feel I am now equipped with new skills and learnt alternate ways of practicing and conducting PE classes after the CATCH PE training.”

– Indian Educator


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