Friday, 26 October 2012
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
The 1st RIGHT STEP : Award leaders shared their experience
St. Anthony’s Hr. Sec. School, Shillong (Meghalaya)
The Assam Valley School, Tezpur hosted the IAYP's Second National Training Workshop in January 2012 and St. Anthony’s Hr. Sec. School, Shillong lead the initiative to participate in this workshop from the North East. The workshop was very enriching, informative and promising for the Youth of Meghalaya. The award program is an instrument that would help the young people to bring out the best in them by involving them in the sections of the award like service, skill, adventure, and physical recreation which will help them to be productive and responsible citizens.
Analyzing all the positive attributes, we were very eager to start up the award program in St. Anthony’s Hr. Sec. School, Shillong. The school Administrator Fr. Rajendran K. encouraged us to take the plunge as new award leaders. Since January, 2012 we have been working on building the team, talking to the students and other at S. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School. Being new award leaders, we were ourselves on an adventurous journey to find ourselves. So to begin with, we organized a presentation and orientation programme for the boys in April. We gathered a group of 30 and using the audio / visual aids we briefed them about the award and its objectives. We could see the interest, eagerness and the enthusiasm on the faces of the students. The video ‘Why not you?’ had quite an impact as it shows true work of the award participants.
In the interactive session the boys were eager to know many things apart from the usual Q/A. It was interesting to hear questions such as - how to go about it, whether they have to study and sit for examination, is there any regular Routine like school routines, about the registration fee, the activities involved, adventure etc.
We decided to begin slowly and with a small number to settle down as award leaders and hope the experience will bring the best for the youth in Meghalaya. At the end we were happy and satisfied award leaders, having conducted fruitful sessions with the students. And we could feel that through this program, we will have a positive impact in the lives of adolescence. With that we can bring out some positive change in the young people and in the society.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Airtel Half Marathon - 30 September 2012
On 30th September 2012, 30 Goal Champions and Goal stars participated in Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. It was organised from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, at 8:45 A.M. in the morning of last sunday of the month.
The girls all decked up in Blue or red Goal kits were marching ahead in the troupe. The group represented Naz and Goal By demonstrating self defence techniques on stage. On the run up to the starting line, girls shouted slogans like- "Hamme Naz Hai, Hum Goal Hain", "Hala Bol Hala Bol, Goal Goal Goal", "HIV ko bhagana Hai, India ko Bachana Hain."
YES Training Workshop : 12 - 13 October 2012 at ATC New Delhi
YES training workshop was conducted at the ATC for 10 Award leaders from Sybiosis International School – Pune, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School – Ghaziabad, Modern Public School – Delhi, Vivek High School – Chandigarh, Indirapuram International School – Ghaziabad, VidyaSanskar International School- Faridabad.
The workshop was conducted by the members of the National Training Panel, Vivek Gaur & Bivujit Mukhoty. The Award leaders were imparted training on the core sections of the Award and importance of mentoring and supporting the Award participants in their Award journey. The requirements specific to Bronze, Silver & Gold levels of the Award, the significance of the Residential Project at the Gold level; were some of the highlights of the workshop.
Testimonials : Vicky Roy
An open door
A former member from our partner organisation, the Salaam Balak Trust, found him and opened a door to a better life. The Trust encouraged him to take up the Award Programme. He did so, and studied photograpy for his Skills section. His talent for taking photographs was soon noticed and he was sent to the Triveni Kala Sangam for training. He studied under British photographer Dixie Benjamin, and is currently an apprentice with Delhi based photographer Anay Mann. Vicky has had a solo exhibition of his work at the Experimental Art Gallery of the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, and has also exhibited in the UK.
Vicky grabbed the opportunities offered by Award in India. In a recent interview with the BBC ‘s Alice Beer, he spoke of the support and warm encouragement he got in taking photography as a Skill, and how Award expeditions opened his eyes to a world beyond the mean streets. Vicky partnered a blind participant from Blind Boy’s Academy in Narendrapur, Kolkata during Residential Projects. He had to explain nature to his partner as they walked, and was amazed at this new way of looking at things. He watched these visually handicapped young people stride ahead in confidence, and realized they were role models to village families who hid their sightless children in the dark corners of their homes.
Many opportunities
Vicky says, “Without the challenge of the Award, I would still be washing dishes. Today, my eyes are open to the endless possibilities that life offers. The Award has given me the confidence to grab my opportunities.” Vicky Roy, Gold Award holder & international photographer.
Further information:
Search for Vicky Roy Photography
The Summer Ecstasy
Aditya Sharma, Gold Award Participant, Scindia School, Gwalior shared his experiences.
Set in the lower Himalayas, Spiti is unlike normal places
in the valleys. It is a different world all together concealed in the Kaza
Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Its flora and fauna and the serene atmosphere
leaves everyone spell bound. But what a group of 25 youngsters from Delhi were
expecting this place to be, is a different story in itself.
We began this trip on the 9th of June, ascending towards
higher altitude (Shimla) on a Himachal Pradesh tourism bus. Reaching Shimla was
just 20 per cent of the journey we had set ourselves on. From here, we began a
super exciting , fun filled road trip to Spiti. A road trip that took us 3 days
to reach Spiti! Interestingly, I had never heard or even imagined a place to be
taking this much time to reach. I remember googling the distance between Shimla
and Spiti and had expected a 3 digit, but how and when this 3 digits of a
distance turned into 3 days of back aching yet thrilling and amazing journey
was quite a new surprise to we the denizens of ‘the land of skyscrapers’.
What had brought us to Spiti was basically the 2nd Gold
Solar Project, a residential and adventure project for the IAYP Gold Award.
This year our project was to build a solar bath for the Kee Monastery which
would serve the needs of nearly 300 monks. What excited me more was not the
fact there were 300 monks but the fact that we were going live in a place that
just looks like the palace in Kungfu Panda and plus it is about 1200 years
old! Yes, the Kee Monastery was our home
for the next 15 days.
Work began the very next day of our arrival and we were
divided into work groups to ease out purpose and the project deadline. The
solar bath room was about 10 feet higher from the ground level. So groups were
accordingly divided to construct the path to the room, mix sand to build sand
blocks for the walls, dig up a tank to collect used water and a tractor group
which went on an adventurous bumpy ride to collect sand for construction
purpose. The next few days were of extensive work with loads of fun in the
evenings. Having a variety in age group and nationalities, it was interesting
to know about their culture and value systems over after dinner talks with a
cup of coffee in hand. We also had the experience of using the kitchen to cook
food for nearly 30 people. 25 Master chefs from all over the world were split
into groups of two for this duty. The Scindians did have an edge over the
others in matters related to the kitchen, and of course the labour work!
Soon after a week’s work we went off for a trek. Over the
next three days we were on foot, walking across mountains from village to
village. 25 of us were the typical nomads with a pair of clothes, a bottle, a
lunch box and the nature to make full use of for other purposes. I fondly remember
this incident, where a few of us who were left behind on the route, were just
about to reach out last destination in the trek. Our tired faces light up with
joy when it started snowing. The entire feeling of tiredness was just gone.
With snowflakes in hand and the cattle around us looking for shelter,
everything around us felt magical. It was a picturesque moment. Every village
that we visited again had its own beauty. Some had big houses, small grounds
and huge cattle, while some small houses, huge cattle and scenic beauty to die
for. Every moment of the trek was to be remembered and cherished.
Being back at the Monastery, we completed the Solar bath
with utter dignity and respect for labour. The feeling when monks and priests
stood around us thrilled to see the new place in campus operate was of much
high pleasure than anything in this world. We were felicitated with shawls and
mementos.
But the best part of the trip still remains untold. It
was when we were returning from Spiti. Nobody wanted to leave and surprisingly
God had heard out prayers. We were on our way to Manali (this time taking a
different route) when there occurred a landslide wherein there was a total
roadblock to the only way in and way out of Manali. We camped up at a roadside
dhaba and had an amazing time. It was a long talks and discussions with friends
with Maggie and hot coffee.
Spiti has not just brought us close to nature and taught
us the dignity of labour but has also shown us the other side of life and how
people live in remote areas, with everything or nothing is limitation. It was
the best part of my summer.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
THE INDOMITABLE HUMAN SPIRIT
Does God play dice with the universe? According to Professor Stephen Hawking, a world renowned physicist; not only does He play dice with universe but is an inveterate gambler. Taking this statement to its logical conclusion and applying it to our everyday world it is then possible to explain the anomalies which we see all around us.
All living beings are an integral part of this universe, formed from the remnants of dying stars. A throw of the die would seem to explain whether you are born a pauper or with a silver spoon in your mouth; whether you are born completely healthy or with a life threatening genetic defect. The latter applies to my good friend Gaurav who was tragically born with a progressive genetic disorder also known as “Friedreich’s ataxia”. This disorder suddenly and without warning surfaced when he was just 30 years old.
We struck up a close bond and his demeanor towards me was that of an elder brother. On my weekly visits to see Gaurav I would perform physiotherapy on him under a doctor’s supervision. Even though Gaurav knows the full extent of his condition and the inevitable conclusion, yet he remains cheerful and hopeful despite the daunting odds. Such was his indomitable spirit that I instantly became a fan of him.
Gaurav is a movie buff and is interested in anything to do with Bollywood. On my weekly visits we would share our life experiences with each other. He would even give me tips on some of my science subjects since he holds a Bachelor of Science degree. At times I download movies and songs for him which he plays on his mobile phone.
I pray to God that by some miracle he would become better. But I also have another perspective on this matter. People like Gaurav have been randomly chosen in the process sparing us. They are the shining beacons of every nation. Let us count our blessings and spare them a thought – perhaps even whisper a little prayer for them. As playback singer Phil Collins succinctly put it, “Oh! think twice, its just another day for you and me in paradise...”
Jai Sahni
Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
Ankit Durga representing 11th International Award Forum, Malta as Youth Delegate
Ankit is a Gold Award Holder and has
volunteered with the National Award Authority for over a year. He has been a student of The Doon School
Dehradun and Delhi University. As a volunteer, Ankit worked in the communications
team and helped design various branding manuals and training packs that were
used subsequently. He also represented IAYP, India at the Asia Pacific Youth
Water Forum, 2010 in Singapore. Having graduated from college, he now works as
a brand consultant with a leading lifestyle media firm in Delhi. He will be
participating as the Youth Delegate at the 11th International Award
Forum to be held at Malta in November.
70 School Students bag Global Awards for Service to Humanity
Seventy students from Olcott Memorial School in the city received international award for young people (Duke of Edinburgh's award) for their service to humanity.These students received silver medals from Paul Sellers, director (South India), British Council.
They worked on four different areas, skills, service, physical recreation & adventurous journey each given equal weightage and opportunity for the holistic wellbeing of the participant.
Mr Sellers said the team which received the award seemed to be highly motivated and the award would drive them to achieve push their motivation to ace the next level.
S. Malathi, a class 12 student, who received the silver award said she got involved in beach cleaning and turtle walk, besides creating awareness to pave way for ambulance on roads. “These activities fetched me the award and I aspire to better to get the gold award soon,“ she said.
RSIS Ladakh- Residential Project By Prachi Kotia, Gold Awardee, The Daly College, Indore
The long awaited day had finally come to an end with my
departure from school on 7th July 2012 to RSIS Ladakh. I met all the
other participants from all the corners of the world in Delhi and also our
leader Mr. Matt Hall.
We reached Leh in 9th July and stayed in the
hotel Ladakh Residency for 3 days. During our stay we visited Shanti Stupa, a magnificent
white stupa with Buddha’s images on it, the next day we took a 2 hrs drive to Alchi Monastery which is
11000 years old and the last was the shopping day. On 12th we left our luxurious hotel and headed towards Thiksay, a small town in Leh. As
soon as we reached Thiksay we visited The
Lamdon School, Thiksay. Place where we were going to work. We were
welcomed warmly by the school staff. After the school we took the path which
took us to our campsite. We had a beautiful campsite which was next to the river.
It included 7 tents, 1 common area and a dining area. The most challenging task
was to use toilets and bathroom but later on we became used to it. For bathing
we had to go the river which was beautiful experience. Every day we used to
have 3 work session of 2 hrs each. After the 3rd work session it
used to be our bathing time and then at 7:00 pm it used to be our dinner time.
We were divided in 4 groups. Each group used to have a domestic day where
instead of going to work site they used to clean the campsite including
toilets, then they used to go to the school where they used to teach students
and do creative activities. Every day we used to play some games organized by
the domestic group.
At the worksite we used to make piles
of bricks, put mud, we also made a huge wall by putting huge granite rocks; we
used to go to the brick factory where we used to load the bricks in the
tractor. Besides this we also got the opportunity to see the great Dalai Lama. We also visited Pangong Lake, which is a
beautiful lake. On our way to Pangong we visited world’s 3rd highest
restaurant and also had a bowl of Maggie. We visited Monasteries, Praying Flags
and even Indus River. Soon our building started taking up shapes, and we
realized it was time to say goodbye to kids and to Thiksay.
On 26th we took a drive to Shang from where we
started our trek to Shanh Po, we crossed rivers and reached our campsite
situated at the height of 4350m above sea level. We had our cook team with us
which used to cook best food! Next day we continued our trek to shangla. It was
the toughest day, we walked for 8hrs and reached mathu phu situated at the
height of 4500m.
Day 3 we continued walking westwards towards mathola, we
reached our campsite which was next to the river and got the opportunity to
bathe in it, it was quite an experience as the water was of melted glacier! We
left for mankarmo to rumbach which is at the height of 4000m. On that we had to
walk for 8hrs we soon reached our campsite and spent our last night by sleeping
under the stars. Next day we walked down the hill and soon we saw our transport
waiting for us. It was mixed feelings as we were happy that we successfully
completed our trek and also sad that soon we were going to leave.
We reached our hotel and spent the rest of the bathing and
writing about our secret buddies. The next day our very last day we did
shopping and in the night we had an award ceremony where we were given badges
and titles. We thanked our guide Chitha and our cook team for their all time
support and delicious food.
One of the most important things which I have gained is
friends. After spending almost half a month, now we are completely attached to
each other, there is a special bond that we share. We share those memories,
which we are going to cherish our whole life.
There has been a change in me as now I am more confident,
full of courage and more independent person with lot of dreams and wishes to
fulfill.
I would like to thank our Principal Ku. Sumer Singh, Vice
Principal Mr. Rajan Potty and Ms. Sarita Badhwar for
believing in me and giving me this opportunity, and letting me see the other
side of the world.
Prachi Kotia
AWARD JOURNEY- DOWN THE MEMORY LANE
By Avi Bhargava, Bronze Awardee,
Ansal Institute of Technology, Gurgaon
“There is no satisfaction that can compare with looking back across the years and finding you’ve grown in self-control, judgment, generosity, and unselfishness.”
– Ella Wheeler Wilcox
This is something what I also felt after completing the International Award for Young People, better known as IAYP. It was a moment of pride for me when I received the award from the university’s Honourable vice chancellor, Dr. Raj Singh.
Journey of this award has been exciting and at the same time a great learning experience as well. It started off as a dream, had never thought that I’ll be able to complete it successfully.
Looking back through the journey, I remember the day when I filled the form for the same. I had never thought of doing this award. I had loads of things going in my mind when I was asked to be a part of the award journey. I was inspired by the presentation of this award delivered to us in our college by National Director, IAYP. It came to me as a surprise when Pratibha ma’am gave me the form with my name already filled in it, implying she put all her belief in me that I would be able to complete the award journey. This sweet gesture of belief acted as a spark and lit the way through this award.
I still cherish the first service I rendered as a volunteer on 28 of December 2011, at the ASOP workshop. It was a briefing and training workshop for the award participants. As a volunteer, my job was to make them acquainted with their award journey, about which we all were puzzled. So through this workshop many of our queries regarding the award were clarified. We played many team building games and took part in various activities. By the end of the day the faith in completion of the award became more concrete. The next day I got to know that I was appointed as the award head for our center and then I could see a leader in me. It took me immense pleasure to share what I learnt in the workshop with my batch mates and also to guide them how they could complete their award.
It took me pride to convince others that they can also be a part of this award. The IAYP team at AIT took loads of efforts to make others realise that they had the potential of achieving something and I was happy being one of the team mates.
As it’s rightly said that the service begins at home. Similarly mine began with my college library. Earlier, in the library we kept on searching for books and sometimes it became a tedious job locating them. Now, after managing the library we are equipped enough to help others in locating the books.
Another experience which I would like to share is the waste paper management wherein I along with fellow award participants helped the teachers to get rid of the waste papers and to manage their written materials. It was so much fun, managing these things. It involved a lot may jobs like taking paper piles from one room to other, handing over the waste pages to the recycler, depositing the one side printed papers in the library and a lot more. The work was also rewarded with the blessings of our teachers and sweet smiles on their faces. Later, our mobile phones beeped with the thank you notes. Similarly it was a great learning experience at the Rapid Walk 2012 and at the National Conference held in the college.
All this that has been mentioned above, I did as a part of the service section. Moving on to the skill section I chose cooking. This took me to the world of flavours and mouth watering smell of various dishes. I learnt how to prepare a variety of cuisines and even perfected a couple of them. It feels great when I make people taste the food that I cooked and then when they praise me, I feel even more elated.
Another section is the physical recreation wherein I chose to dance. It was a great experience too. I learnt many new moves and also choreographed many songs.
The section closest to my heart is the adventure trip to Rishikesh. Before I went for the trip I just knew a few people in college and only a few were there who knew me. But, after the trip every corner of the college had some or the other familiar face to exchange smile with. This is what I will cherish the most as a part of the award. On the trip we faced many challenges from choosing tents to all sorts of activities like rafting, rock climbing rappelling, trekking and many more. But each of these made us bold and strong enough to face the real challenges in life. At the start of the trip, I promised one thing to myself that I won’t say no to anything over a period of those two days and I was successful in a way that I was among the first few to try each of the activity. Another incident worth mentioning is, when I slipped in the water trek. Though, I was very upset that I could not enjoy, but when I saw all the people around, who were strangers a couple of days back, worried about me and taking helping me to recover well, consequently it took me no time to cheer for and smile with them. Whenever I think of this trip, I am refreshed with the beautiful memories along with a crystal clear view of Rishikesh so much so that I feel that I am there again. The scenic beauty of the place was panoramic –the vibrant flora and lush green hills are worthy of praises. It felt as if I was in the world of my dreams. The sound of the Ganges water so clear still rings my ears sometimes. Seriously it was an amazing, learning and fun filled experience.
With this award I have learnt a lot and have emerged as a good leader, a cook and even a dancer and it wouldn’t be wrong even if I would say I have discovered myself.
“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.”
– Aldous Huxley
Testimonial : Kanika Issar
About me
My name is Kanika Issar and I am 19 years old. I received my Gold Award in May 2010 in New Delhi, India, from the Vice-President at the time- Mr. Hamid Ansari. Today, I am in Riga and I am volunteering to work with the Award program in Latvia. How I ended up coming here is an interesting story.
Meeting new friends
In 2009, I went to Russia (Petrozavodsk) for my Gold Residential Project. There I made friends with Austra and Varis Salmins who had come to the Award camp from Latvia. In 2010, they sent me an invitation to come to the Latvian Award camp, Eldorado. I was very excited for having been given this opportunity and I immediately began to fill out all the paper work for a visa. Unfortunately, the embassy gave me my visa two days after the camp had started and it did not make sense to come so far for half the camp. I was very disappointed and I did not plan on coming to Latvia anytime soon.
Friends for life
In 2011, I went to the USA to continue my studies at university, and I have now completed my first year. While trying to decide what I wanted to do for my summer holidays, I emailed Austra and decided to come to Latvia and work with the Award program in the Eldorado 2012 camp. Austra, Varis and their family very kindly offered to host me for my entire stay of two and a half months! Meeting them at Riga airport, three years after the camp, it was a beautiful feeling to know that I made friends who I will treasure for a lifetime through an Award camp. I have been in Latvia for a month now and I volunteer at an organization called Apeirons. There I learn about people with disabilities and make several different projects and videos to increase awareness about the organization.
Giving back to the Award
When I was given a form to join the Award in class 8, I am happy I didn’t make a paper plane from it but instead filled it out and submitted it, because the Award program has taught me so many things, given me so many experiences and has shaped who I am today. It’s exciting to discover similarities through the Award with people all over the world. Since I have gained so much from the Award, I decided to spend my summers volunteering with the Award and give back. I am looking forward to Eldorado 2012 – I have the opportunity to learn about Latvian traditions and, most importantly, about Latvian youth today. I plan to share my culture and experiences, and help to make it another successful Award camp.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
CONGRATULATIONS SURABHI VAIDYA!
Surabhi Vaidya is one of the most energetic and promising interns at the National Award Authority office. The entire team at the office congratulates her for completing one year with the Award.
Over the course of one year she has worked assuming various roles - as a Volunteer, Mentor, Communications Intern, Programme Intern, Trainer, and Award Leader. She has worked closely with the Programme and the Communications team and has also helped in designing as well as conducting Training workshops for Award Leaders, YES Managers, and Volunteers.
Having true leadership qualities, she was selected to attend the Training for Trainers workshop held in Manila in February 2012 and was also selected to represent IAYP India at the recently held Spiti Annual Gold Solar Project in June 2012 in Spiti Valley.
When asked about her experience, Surabhi exclaims: "The Award has not only taught me how to challenge myself at every step in my life, but has also given me the confidence to stand in front of a group of people and express myself. Today, it is one of the best platforms young people have, to develop themselves and their skill set. It has truly been a major catalyst to get me where I am today. And I will always be thankful to the Award for making me what I am today."
JOYS OF COMMUNITY LIVING IN THE CAMP
IAYP Expedition from Silver aspirants of Coorg Public School, Mysore - A report by Teena Machaiah (Award Leader)
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru.
The silver aspirants of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme experienced the joys of community living in the camp at Bittangala on 15th and 16th September, 2012. A group of 40 members accompanied by 5 teachers - Mr. Satish, Mr. Vijay, Mrs. Teena Machaiah, Mrs. Vinutha Bopanna and Mrs. Krithika Devata enthusiastically participated in the camp activities organised in the pristine lap of nature.
The expedition included trekking in the forest confines, where the group spent two nights. Besides cooking their own food, there were exciting adventures activities such as Rock Rappeling, Zip Line Crossing, Jumer Hang, Monkey Crawling, X Target Reach, Rope Walk and team building activities.
This camp played a vital role in unearthing the skills of students and taught them valuable lessons about teamwork, self reliance, perseverance, sharing and the joys of simple living. We owe our debt of gratitude to Mr. Chengappa, Honorary Secretary and Col. Bharath, Vice President (Administration) of Coorg Institute of Adventure Sports for all their help and support for the success of this camp.
Click to see more photos
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru.
The silver aspirants of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme experienced the joys of community living in the camp at Bittangala on 15th and 16th September, 2012. A group of 40 members accompanied by 5 teachers - Mr. Satish, Mr. Vijay, Mrs. Teena Machaiah, Mrs. Vinutha Bopanna and Mrs. Krithika Devata enthusiastically participated in the camp activities organised in the pristine lap of nature.
The expedition included trekking in the forest confines, where the group spent two nights. Besides cooking their own food, there were exciting adventures activities such as Rock Rappeling, Zip Line Crossing, Jumer Hang, Monkey Crawling, X Target Reach, Rope Walk and team building activities.
This camp played a vital role in unearthing the skills of students and taught them valuable lessons about teamwork, self reliance, perseverance, sharing and the joys of simple living. We owe our debt of gratitude to Mr. Chengappa, Honorary Secretary and Col. Bharath, Vice President (Administration) of Coorg Institute of Adventure Sports for all their help and support for the success of this camp.
Click to see more photos
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
The International Award Programme in India - E-weekly - 03 October 2012
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Vol IV, Issue 159 The Award Weekly 03 October 2012 |
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Copyright The
International Award for Young People India 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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