Junior Red Cross

About Junior Red Cross (JRC)

Junior Red Cross (JRC) is High School/PU College level wing of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), created to inspire and guide young people in the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality — the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

It aims to inculcate values of service, health, and friendship among students while nurturing a sense of responsibility towards the community and the nation.

Open to High School/PU College children usually between the ages of 14 and 18, JRC provides opportunities to learn about first aid, disaster preparedness, health awareness, environmental protection, and humanitarian service through interactive and practical activities.

History of Junior Red Cross

The origin of the Junior Red Cross can be traced back to 1919, when the concept of involving youth in humanitarian work was first introduced by the International Red Cross Movement after World War I.

The aim was to foster peace, friendship, and health education among children, helping them understand and practice humanitarian values from an early age.

The JRC movement in India was established under the umbrella of the Indian Red Cross Society, formed in 1920 through an Act of the Indian Legislative Council.

Since its introduction, JRC has grown to become an integral part of the Red Cross structure in many states, working in collaboration with education departments, schools, PU Colleges and local Red Cross branches.

Globally, Junior Red Cross has played a key role in promoting “International understanding and cultural exchange** among youth, aligning with the Red Cross motto:“I Serve.”

JRC Motto, Principles & Emblem

Motto : “I Serve”

Emblem : The Red Cross on a white background – a symbol of neutrality and protection under the Geneva Conventions

JRC Cousellors : Students who take part in Junior Red Cross activities are known as ‘Juniors’. The teachers who guide the students in JRC activities, our called “COUNSELLOR”.

Objectives of Junior Red Cross

Health

Promote personal hygiene, nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention.
Educate students on first aid, mental health, and public health principles.

Service

Instil in children a sense of duty to help others, particularly those in distress or need.
Encourage voluntary participation in school, family, and community service.

Friendship

Promote peace, understanding, and cooperation among children from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
Strengthen the spirit of unity and mutual respect at the national and international level.

Financial Norms

PU Colleges

Respective PU colleges are also to collect Rs.25/- annually while collecting the college fees from each student. 60% (Rs.15/-) of the fees collected to be retained in the College Junior Red Cross unit to be used for its activities, and the remaining 40% (Rs.10/-)to be credited to the Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch, Bengaluru

Out of the Fee of Rs.25/- collected from each student

High Schools

Respective High Schools are also to collect Rs.10/- annually while collecting the School fees from each student(8th, 9th and 10th Std). 60% (Rs.6/-) of the fees collected to be retained in the School Junior Red Cross unit to be used for its activities, and the remaining 40% (Rs.4/-)to be credited to the Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch, Bengaluru

Out of the Fee of Rs.10/- collected from each student

Core Activities of JRC

First Aid training
School/PU College level awareness rallies
Poster, slogan, and essay competitions
Visits to hospitals, orphanages, and old-age homes
Tree plantation and environment conservation programs

Cleanliness and sanitation drives
Participation in state/national level camps and exhibitions
Blood donation awareness (for families and communities)
Health Awareness Activities
Civil and Human Values related activities

Junior Red Cross Examination

The Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch (IRCS-KSB) conducts the Junior Red Cross (JRC) Examination every year for High School and Pre-University College students across Karnataka.

The examination aims to encourage students to learn about humanitarian values, health and hygiene, first aid, disaster preparedness, and social service activities.

Through this initiative, students are motivated to develop a spirit of service, discipline, and responsibility towards society. Successful participants receive certificates of merit from IRCS-KSB, which also help in promoting volunteerism and Red Cross ideals among youth.