What the educators says about Award Programme

Any child who is studying or getting an education in the school, is not only pursuing academics, but also on the path to self development to become successful in life. Because the world they will face in 10 years or 15 years is unknown - - neither they know, nor we know - - so we need to give them a firm foundation and build those capacities in the child that will enable them to face the world. So the world does pose a lot of challenges and we might not know what kind of challenges can be there. But to encounter them and face them we need to have some set of basic skills, which are called life skills. For building life skills we need to have a very structured formal setup or a programme which can ensure that those kinds of skills are definitely built in a child. Along with this, it is really necessary now that we need to have responsible citizens emerging out of a school. When they do a job or when they start their own work, they are not going to be limited to thinking about their own office or company or setup but in general contribute towards society, which takes care of their country as well, and that's how we think of responsible citizens and global citizens as well. So with these thoughts in mind, since I was aware of IAYP from quite of few years, I was very keen to initiate this programme, which is definitely going to address these issues and will certainly help in bringing about these qualities or skills in the school.

Mr. Prashant Muley 

Principal, 

Podar International School, Aurangabad (ICSE)

IAYP Activities report from Saffron City School, Distt. Fatehgarh Sahib

Social service and skill based activities facilitate in the development of various domains of mind and personality such as intellectual, social, moral and aesthetic development. These activities are the components of non-academic curriculum that help to develop various facets of the personality. For all round development, there is a need of emotional, physical, spiritual and moral development that is complemented & supplemented by social science and skill based activities. So being a part of IAYP we have done lot of activities under Service & Skill that help young people unlock their potential and build a brighter future. Here comes the list of activities:-

Service:-Leprosy centre: Award participants took the initiative to visit a leprosy centre in Sirhind as a part of their social responsibilities. Students went around the centre and met all the patients. They interacted with the leprosy patients, listened to their grievances and shared their pain. The students made an effort to make them smile and forget that they had been ostracized. They distributed food items and clothes to the patients and discovered feelings of compassion in themselves.

Visit to a slum area: The participants visited slum areas a number of times. They went around the whole area and took the initiative to start 'Safai Abhyan' by cleaning roads and streets and motivated people all around to keep their area clean and green. They also visited the slum school and distributed stationary items and books to the children. They taught them the values of good hygiene and good practices such as keeping their habitat clean and green. They planted saplings there and taught students that it is through our own actions that we make these saplings grow: taking care of them would make them healthy, while neglecting them would stunt their growth, just like a small child.

Learning Skills: Participants took part in various group activities. One of the activities was learning pottery. The students made pots of different shapes and decorated and painted them. Another activity was learning the art of making envelopes of different shapes and decorating them. They shared various ideas among themselves. In another activity they learnt how to wrap gifts and make them look attractive. The items made by the students were displayed at the school exhibition, and the money collected was used for charity. Click here for pictures

Adventure and memories to last for a lifetime

Vaishnavi Bhardwar, Silver Award aspirant from Uttam School for Girls, Ghaziabad sharing her memories of the Adventurous Journey 

The last year of school is always very special and close to one's heart, as that's the last opportunity for a student to enjoy the school events and build a treasure trove of all those unforgettable moments, to be cherished forever. One such much awaited event was the IAYP trip for Silver Award. And our joy knew no bounds when we got to know that our destination would be the land of heavenly beauty, Ranikhet.

We boarded the Kathgodam Shatabdi and travelled by road to reach a village located about 12 kms from Ranikhet. We stayed in a traditional stone house called Daan'kurhi, a local term for the highest house in the valley. After a hot tea and snacks break we left for a short trek when rain showers welcomed us. It was already dark when we came back and we gathered for a bonfire and went to sleep after a delicious dinner with our energies high for the next day's adventures.  

Thrilled to find ourselves in the lap of soothing and serene environs, we spent a few action-packed, exciting and adventurous days there. We were divided in teams and assigned the task of gathering maintenance tools from the villagers. After completing this herculean task, we went on to volunteer for repairing the village water naala (rain water storage source). We also constructed a part of a road to access the naala. It was real hard work but we enjoyed every bit of it. Then we left for our campsite where we pitched our own tents and lit a bonfire, and helped in cooking dinner near the bank of river Kosi. The next day proved to be a fun-filled day where interesting physical sports adventures were lined up. We did flying fox, slithering and had a lot of fun in the water before we left for Daan-Khudi.

We also visited one of the two sun temples at Katarmal on our way. On reaching Daan khudi we got to know that the organizers had arranged a performance by local Kumaoni artists who sang melodious songs. We too sang and danced with them. We also performed plays on the allotted theme given to our teams. Most of us hardly slept the last night of the trip and participated in leisure activities which are impossible to forget. 

We left early morning for Kathgodam and also visited Nainitaal on our way. When we boarded the train to Ghaziabad the bags weighed the same but we were carrying many memories with us which we are going to cherish for a lifetime.

All of us are thankful to our school, respected Principal ma'am and our escort teachers Ms. Madhu Sen Gupta and Ms. Saleha for without them this trip would have been impossible.  Click for pictures

Charge to the Mountains!

A group of 43 Award participants (22 boys and 21 girls) from Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati set out for their Adventurous  Journey to Rocky Island in a valley near Darjeeling, West Bengal.  The group left for their destination on 20 Mar 2015 night by train and was accompanied by the Director (Pastoral Care), two House Mistresses and two Sports Teachers. Having reached the railhead New Jalpaiguri the next morning, they left for Rocky Island by bus. The thrill of the adventure began almost immediately when they stopped by a freshwater stream en route to relish their breakfast. Finally they reached the place by noon.

The group was accommodated in tents and huts with the support of a simple bathroom/toilet and a kitchen with open dining space. The young people enjoyed their meals and were happy to wash their utensils themselves. The main focus this time was Rock Climbing and Trekking. Special care was taken throughout the trip to ensure their safety and security. Participants freely roamed around in the surrounding hills and streams accompanied by their Instructors and escorts. They were made to wade through a challenging width of the fast flowing stream, learning to work as a team with close coordination to cross the stream. Rappelling and steel wire sliding were among the other activities conducted during the camp. 

During the afternoon session the participants practiced erecting tents and shelters with natural wood and the minimal material available. In the evening the group gathered around the campfire and participated in the music, dance and group games. 

On 23 Mar morning the group was guided on a trek through hills, deep forests and streams. They were taught various types of knots to be used while making support systems to cross streams and also given training on survival tactics in the jungle. By afternoon the group departed for New Jalpaiguri to return to Guwahati by rail. The group reached MBRS the next morning.

The participants learned not only basic life skills to survive in a jungle but also strengthened their confidence. The trip was a huge success and many of them can't wait for the next available opportunity to return to those environs again!

Kudos to Partap World School, Pathankot (YES Centre)

The Partap World School, Pathankot, Punjab (YES Centre) featured on the national news channel: ZEE NEWS. The school honoured a national level skater, Chandeep Singh, who is physically differently abled. Chandeep lost both his arms at the age of seven, when he suffered an electric shock. Partap World School supported Chandeep and his family with financial assistance and emotional support. On April 12, 2015, the school organised a skating competition on the occasion of their Chairman's birthday celebration.  Chandeep Singh participated in the competition and inspired other students and players. 

Talking to Chandeep, we discovered a determined young person, who says that physical inability cannot keep you from achieving the target. He shared his positive attitude towards life, motivating and inspiring other students. 

We at NAA wish to congratulate Partap World School, Pathankot for connecting with society and imparting a sense of service among their students.  See below the news coverage about Chandeep.

The Award programme -- a platform for continuous progress and well-being

Sudershan Kongkham, Gold Participant, Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati sharing his experience and achievement in the Physical Recreation section

At MBRS we indulge in various sports like football, volleyball, basketball, cricket, lawn-tennis, swimming, mini-golf, and other indoor games. Karate is an emerging physical activity along with yoga, to help us keep physically and mentally fit.

I started playing basketball and soccer as part of my Physical Recreation for the IAYP. I learnt fast and soon was selected as a part of the school's basketball and soccer team. My team mates and I were always hard at work, practicing together to perfect ourselves at the sports.

I participated in the North East Zone CBSE cluster tournament in 2014. We emerged as champions of the entire zone and got an opportunity to compete at the National level in Gujarat, representing the North East. Though we could not reach the finals, our hard work, perspiration, love and respect for the game rewarded us with the trophy for the "Most Disciplined Team" of the tournament.

I have learnt a lot while participating in these events: I have tasted both defeat and victory. I understand that failures are the pillars of success. So I am optimistic that I will achieve more success in the field of sports and games in the near future and bring glory to our esteemed institution. I am confident that I will be consistent and maintain a positive attitude towards fair-play and hold up the spirit of the games and sports. I am grateful to the Award, which has provided me with a platform to maintain a continuous progress both in the games I play and also in my general well-being. Click for pictures

One Step that Changed My Life

A life changing experience shared by Monalisa Paul, Gold Awardee from Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita
 

I was not particularly aware of society and the world around me other than my family. I used to stay at home most of the time. When I was in the 12th standard one of my school teachers told me about an organization named Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita. I took admission to learn spoken English and computers. This is where I came to know about another organization - the  IAYP (International Award For Young People). I enrolled myself with IAYP and my life took a new turn. I still remember the date, the 5th of December 2012, when I took the first step to go somewhere without my family, to make myself a strong and self reliant individual. The adventure tours made me a totally different person. IAYP gave me self confidence and the strength to become a person who could stand up for herself in this big world.

In 2014 I graduated in Geography Honours. In this year I also got a job In Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and the thanks goes to the IAYP programme for giving me the confidence to hold my own in the interview. The other quality I developed is decision making skills.

From that very first time when I enrolled myself in the IAYP programme, right till the present, I have never looked back. It helped me to build my career and a strong character. Now I find myself a new person, not the old, shy one. I have discovered my self as a person who is full of confidence, enthusiastic and daring, ready to take on any challenge. I think this should be the attitude a woman should carry. I am very grateful to Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita and IAYP for changing my life.

Helping to preserve our heritage!

It is a commitment of a different kind. When the bronze aspirants of Heritage Girls School, Udaipur visited the 10th century monument that was literally a stone's throw away from the school during the course of a walk, one of us just mentioned that it would be wonderful if we  could come there more often. The Principal suggested that we adopt the place and the idea took flight!

Adopting a monument is not a difficult process. We wrote to the local office of the Archeological Survey of India and waited. A month later the letter arrived. Yes, it can be done, said Mr P.S. Sriraman, the ASI officer. Correspondence flew back and forth and it was decided the monument would be ours on the 26th of January!

Though it was originally dedicated to  Lord Vishnu, the Saas-Bahu temple at Eklingji, Udaipur is not functional as a temple anymore. However, it  is worth visiting for its sheer architectural beauty. Experts like Dr Rajshekhar Vyas, who was present at the adoption ceremony, tell us that this is one of those rare places where the stories of both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are featured on the stone frescoes. Like many of our precious legacies, this too has been ravaged by plunderers, but whatever is left, is worth saving.

The care and nurture that we plan for the monument has already begun. The Community Service Society went about cleaning the premises on the morning of the 26th of January. The History Society will now prepare brochures containing the popular lore associated with the place to distribute to the tourists visiting the place.

There is a lot about history, archeology, architecture to be learnt from here. It is an exciting prospect!   Click for more pictures

Adventurous Journey camp to Shimla

Fifty-two Award aspirants (Bronze and Silver) from The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal (M.P) accompanied by five mentors went to Shimla (Shogi Camp) in H.P from 16th October 2014 to 22nd October 2014. Here is a report about the Adventurous Journey from Atul Chamoli (Award Leader).

The day was the 16th of October -  when a restless bunch travelled to the capital on the Shatabdi and then on to Shimla. To break the monotony the students challenged the musical skills of the teachers in a game Antakshari...only to be defeated!

The Mall Road was a delight for those who planned to shop and also for those who planned to dance to the tune of lilting Himachali music. While Maggi and momos were the gastronomic winners, even special occasions like a friends' birthday were taken care of at Kasauli.

The natural wealth of the British Summer capital impressed us all from the plains. The tall coniferous, mesmerizing heights, challenging climbs left the students spellbound.

The adventure sports began with disciplining and punctuality. An early morning warm up was a starter to each day. Mid-mornings were scheduled for adventure sports like rappelling, mountain climbing, flying fox and rope tasks. The students tested their strength in a game of 'Tug of War' between the boarders and the day boarders! The true spirit of sportsmanship was realized thereafter when the Sanskarians celebrated both their defeat and success together!

The 'trek at night' was an amazing experience embellished with ghost stories en route  as the unpolluted clear sky with twinkling stars left us all mesmerized. Holding hands and guiding each other naturally bonded the students who needed no formal training for team building! Back to the camp was the 'Me Time' when the students spent quality time together without a schedule to follow. It was appreciable to notice how the aspect of punctuality was taken care of and without the intervention from teachers the students retired to their cottages at the time scheduled.

And then for some more fun the next day, when we visited the church in Kasauli where we indulged in religious gratification with rosaries and candles. The 'Phulkaris' of Chandigarh in vibrant shades emptied our pockets and so did the junk jewellery!

It was time to get back home and adventure our way through the 'Swarnjayanti Vishakhapatnam' early next morning from Delhi with pleasurable memories to cherish and dreams to realize!   Click for pictures.

IAYP Silver Trek to Kedarkantha, Uttarkashi

Sixty Award aspirants from Welham Boys School, Dehra Dun accompanied by five mentors went to Kedarkantha (12500ft) in Uttarkashi District from 27th Sept to 2nd Oct 2014.  Here is a report about this trek from Laxman Bhandari (Award Leader).

On 28th morning at 6:30 am we started our Adventurous Journey from Welham Boys' School and reached Sankri at 5:00pm.

Our trek to Kedarkantha started on 29th morning at 8:30 am.  We reached the base camp which was at Juda Lake, 5 km away, after an arduous and steep climb. We were briefed about the do's and don'ts of staying in camps and were also given details on acclimatization as the altitude progressed.  We were constantly monitored and records of our health were kept. We stayed in a camp in the midst of forests. Staying in the jungle overnight was an exciting and memorable experience for all the members of the expedition. We collected firewood for the evening bonfire, which we enjoyed immensely.

The next morning on 30th September after breakfast at 8:30am we were briefed on the trek to the final climb of Kedarkantha.  All the members of the expedition were delighted to see the 65-member expedition scaling the peak of Kedarkantha successfully.  Exhilarated, we set off for the base camp which we reached at 5 pm and stayed there overnight.
On 1st October after breakfast at 9:00am we trekked down to Sankri which we reached at 1:00 pm. On 2nd Oct 2014 we proceeded back to Welham Boys' school after breakfast at 8:00am. We had our lunch on the way at Damta and reached the school at 5:40 pm. All the team members were filled with a sense of deep satisfaction after having accomplished a great feat.

Ice-walk 89 by Shailendra Sinha (Gold Awad Holder) - From Archive

In March this year, Robert Swan – the world famous polar explorer led a team of 8 men from seven countries in on expedition called ICEWALK-89 the International North Pole expedition.  They walked from Cape Columbia, Canada’s northern most tip, over 450 cold miles on the frozen Arctic Ocean to conquer the North Pole on May 14. 

 

At the same time a team of 22 student members from 15 countries went all the way to the Canadian High Arctic to participate in the programme of adventure, scientific studies and environmental awareness, all under the same project ICEWALK.

It all began in 1989 when Robert Swan went unsupported to the South Pole along with this two team members and became one of the first men to go under the newly formed Ozone Hole in our atmosphere.  He got heavily sun burnt.  In order to promote greater global awareness about the damaged ozone layer and the environment as a whole he decided on another expedition, this time to the North Pole, and dedicated it to the environment.

For any expedition, finance is required, so he went around the world 26 times getting world-wide sponsors and finally came up with 5 million US Dollars.

A student expedition was organised simultaneously to create greater awareness worldwide.  Students went up to Eureka (80⁰ North) to study the Arctic pollution and global environment as a whole.  They also did a bit of Arctic Survival training and were thoroughly exposed to Arctic hardships.

The reason why students aged 17-22 were chosen what that students can relate with this environmental damage more easily and also because they are the ones who would be worst affected by this environmental damages in the near future.

I was lucky enough to be chosen as the Indian student for this expedition.  My escort-instructor Mandeep Singh Soin also went along with me all the way to the High Arctic.

We left India on the 12^th of April and arrived in London.  There we were received by DEAS headquarters’ and went to the Portuguese Embassy for dinner with the Ambassador.   A brief press conference was also held.  Next day we gave a live interview on BBC followed by the many others.   We also met the Minister of Environment of Britain, Mrs. Virginia Bottomly, in front of the House of Lords.  She had shown a keen interest in ICEWALK and its movies.  From England we moved on to New York, and then on to Ottawa.

Al the members gathered at Ottawa and there we all met for the first time.  They came all the way from America, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Kenya, Russia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India.  There were 8 girls’ students and two lady escort instructors amongst 22 students and their9 escorts who participated in this international student expedition.  The highlight of the stay in Ottawa was the meeting with Mr. Lucien Bouchard, the Canadian Environment Minister , who announced a clean-up programme in the Canadian Arctic, in order to remove all the oil drums lying around which went there as aeroplane refuelling drums.

From Ottawa we went on to Iqaluit (66⁰ North) located on Baffin Island, which is essentially on Eskimo community.  There we received a warm welcome.  The locals taught us how to build Igloos (Ice-houses) and acquainted us with a few techniques necessary for Arctic survival.

From Iqaluit we went to Eureka (Ellesmere Island) via Resoulute (Cornwallis Island).  Eureka is situated at 80⁰ North and is an environmental weather service station, which is manned all the year around.  Whilst we were there, we had 24 hrs day light and the daily temperatures ranges all the way from 12⁰ C to 35⁰ C.  The lowest if went down to was 45⁰ C with the wind chill factor.  We placed ourselves comfortably and had the help and support of five leading Canadian American scientists who were there especially to teach us about the on-going environmental destruction.  We took a trip to Lake Hazen (82.5⁰ North) which is an 800 Sq. mile lake, the largest lake above the Arctic.  We went all the way to observe wild life but unfortunately no wild life signs could be seen anywhere except a trail of lemming foot prints.

Arctic by far has been regarded as one of the cleanest places on earth.  Yet now there are traces of pollution in the form of gases causing the Greenhouse effect, and soot-causing acid rains, as well as pesticides carried by complex wind patterns coming right down from Texas in America.  The thinning ozone layer is another fatal threat to the High Arctic.  If all this carries on even at the present rate, the polar ice-caps will melt causing ocean levels to up by 70 metres or so.  I need not explain its obvious effects.

By now all the students had mixed very well and had overcome the barriers of language, country, community etc. acting like mini-ambassadors of the countries they represented.
We also learnt about the Arctic as a whole i.e. its people, wildlife geography, solar navigation etc.  Later we went out on a 4-day ski trip which exposed us fully to the rough Arctic weather.  The weather there was quite unpredictable.  We were heavily geared and pulled our own stuff ourselves, on the sledges; quite like the polar team which by now crossed 88.5⁰ N.

We came across lots of spectacular sights of icebergs and even climbed a few.  Icebergs were rising upto 50 m, high and looking extremely beautiful.

We skied on the frozen ocean, cooked out own food which at -30⁰ C certainly wasn’t very easy to do, slept in tents and Igloos and climbed right to the top of the highest mountains, on the Ellesmere Island (2150 ft. above sea level), which was quite nearby.

The return was very nostalgic and sentimental, with a few girls breaking down in tears.  So fare we had lived in perfect harmony and bonds of friendship had been permanently established amongst us all.  We returned home both happy and sad’ happy because we had achieved our goal and sad because it was over now.

Thank you Ice-walk.

(Source: The Doon School Adventure Stores shared by Dr. S C Biala)

Award Leader Training Workshop at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi

The National Award Authority organized a National Award Leader Training Workshop at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi on January 08-09, 2014.  The sessions covered the four pillars of the Award i.e. Physical Recreation, Skills, Service and Adventurous Journey, as well as the Residential Project, Volunteering and Risk Management. The training was led by Kapil Bhalla (National Director), Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) and Meeta Sharma (Member National Training Panel). A session on the Online Record Book was conducted by Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT & ORB), while Pallavi Gill (Gold Award Holder) explained the benefits of the Award to the participants.

The workshop was attended by five participants mainly from the The Asian School, Dehra Dun; The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad; Calcutta International School, Kolkata and K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce, Mumbai. Click for the pictures

Explore Spiti, be a part of Solar Conservation Project 2015 - Registrations Open till 15th April 2015

Residential Project and Adventurous Journey for Gold Participants
5th - 21st June 2015: Spiti, Northern Himalayas, India 

Gold Award Participants from around the globe are welcome to apply for the two-weeks Solar Conservation Project at Monastery, Spiti. Organised by Ecosphere in collaboration with IAYP India, the project is one of its kind, combining an Adventurous Journey and Gold Residential Project exclusively for Gold Award Participants.  During this journey the Award Participants will participate in the actual construction of the Solar Bath and the setup of a Solar Water Geyser (Evacuated Tube Condenser) or a Greenhouse and will be assisted by a dedicated team with a qualified mason and representative from Ecosphere. The construction period will be 7 to 8 days. The trip combines work and pleasure. During this trip the Award Participants will also be visiting some of the highest villages in the world, going on a high-altitude trek, visiting some ancient monasteries dating back over 1000 years and taking a yak/horse safari and mountain bike. Traditional homestays further enrich the experience by giving an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home. More information can be download from here or you can write to spiti_gold2015@iayp.in

Bringing the Shine Back to the Shrine

The global climate change has had a major impact on historical monuments in India. In the last few years the Indian government spent a lot of money on restoration and renovation of these historical monuments.  To contribute to this cause GEMS NPS International School's Bronze Award participants decided to pick up the task of renovating, cleaning and painting a 600-year-old shrine, Shri Shri Damodar Dev Satra located in the village Patbausi in Assam.

The shrine was destroyed in the 1964 earthquake and was repaired under instructions of the Chief Minister of Assam; since then the shrine has been uncared for. As part of the service activity of the IAYP Award programme, the 35 Bronze Award asprants volunteered their services for over five months to bring the shrine back to its glory.  Click for pictures

IAYP Adventurous Journey Camp for Differently Abled Participants on International Day of Disabled Persons - 3rd December 2014

On the occasion of International Day of Disabled Persons, the National Award Authority is organising an Adventurous Journey Camp for the differently abled Bronze, Silver and Gold aspirants of Raphael, Dehra Dun.  A team of six instructors from ICNL, Kolkata will be imparting training to the participants under the supervision of Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager IAYP.

The group started the activities within the Raphel campus and will head to the Maldevata Village for three days where they will perform different activities at the Inside Passage Campsite.

In all 40 participants (9 Gold, 20 Silver and 11 Bronze) along with 3 escorts have joined the camp. Watch out for a detailed report in this spot.

Congratulation Ms Priyo Lall on Receiving The Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award 2014

The Award family wishes to congratulate Ms Priyo Lall (YES Centre Manager and Director Special Education, Raphael, Dehra Dun) on receiving The Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award from the President of India Mr. Pranav Mukherjee on 14th November 2014, for services rendered for the welfare of children.  In pursuance of its policy to support and encourage voluntary action, and in memory of the later Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India instituted this award in 1994 to honour individuals who make outstanding contributions towards service for children, including children with various kinds of disabilities. The sole basis for selection is the quality of work performed by the individual for the cause of children. Voluntary action has a special place in the nation's effort for promoting the well being of children and the Award seeks to grant recognition for individual excellence in such voluntary services.  We are proud of her association with us.