Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop

at Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta, Kolkata

On January 17 and 18, 2019, the National Award Authority organised an Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop at the Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta, Kolkata. The workshop was led by Kapil Bhalla - National Director, Bivujit Mukhoty - Programme Manager and Bhagyasree Sengupta - Programme Assistant. The objective of the workshop was to interact with the Award Leaders of different schools and iterate the importance of their contribution in the journey of the Award participants.

The workshop witnessed a total of 27 participants. The organisations that participated in the workshop were Modern High School For Girls, Kolkata; Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata; Father Leblond School, Madati; B.D.M International, Kolkata; Delhi Public School Newtown, Kolkata; The Heritage School, Kolkata; South Point High School, Kolkata; Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Kolkata; Indus Valley World School, Kolkata; Delhi Public School Megacity, Kolkata, Sacred Heart School, Siliguri; Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta, Kolkata; BIGFOOT, Kolkata and Juniper Wings, Kolkata.

The workshop commenced with an ice-breaking session followed by an introduction to the Award Programme. The team threw light on the philosophy of the Award, its journey and its framework. They then went on to explain its various facets that include Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey. They also elaborated upon risk management, stressed the benefits of the Programme and touched upon the Residential Project for the Gold Level of the Programme. What followed next was a review session and discussion about the levels of the Award Programme. The session concluded with a film highlighting the Award’s achievements and its impact. National Award Authority wish to deliver their thanks to Mrs Premila Pavamani (President), Mr Shajan George (Executive Director), Mr Timothi Barrato (Award Leader) and Ms Bulbul Dutt (Award Leader) of Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta for their support and hospitality to organise this workshop. For pictures click here.

Adventurous Journey Camp to Susunia Hills

Twenty-one Silver and Bronze level Award participants of Emmanuel Ministries, Kolkata completed their Adventurous Journey at Susunia Hills from 14th to 17th March 2016. A report by Timothy Barretto (Award Leader) follows.

Thirteen Silver level and Eight Bronze level Award participants (10 girls and 11 boys) of Emmanuel Ministries, Kolkata started their Adventurous Journey on 14th March 2016 to Susunia Hills, West Bengal. The group was escorted by Timothy Barretto (Award Leader) and Munna Barik (Community Teacher) along with four experienced instructors of the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL), Kolkata. To begin with, the mentors briefed the participants about the basic requirements and information pertaining to travelling and discipline. After the overnight journey from Howrah station to Chaatna station the group trekked to the campsite in Susunia (11 kms) for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The group reassembled at 11 am and were introduced to the first practical class “Rope Knots”. The key to this class was “Easy to tie knot and easy to open”. Every type of knot was demonstrated and the purpose of each knot was described. The next activities to follow were the single rope bridge, monkey crawling and Jummering, which were novel experiences, especially for the Bronze participants. These exercises were centrally focused on team building and capacity building, giving the participants an impetus to achieve and a feeling of exhilaration and stimulation. The day drew to an end with an inspiring session on mountain manners and self-motivation by instructors.

The next day the participants trekked to an altitude of 1600 feet up Susunia hills. The instructors briefed the students about the basic techniques of Rock Climbing. The participants formed groups according to their levels and each one had to do climbing, rappelling, traversing and chimney climbing. This turned out to be one of the best experiences for the participants, many of whom said that they were able to conquer their fears after their first climb. In the second half of the day they were taught about Tent Pitching and Tyrolean Traverse. A camp night was organized to add to the fun and amusement.

On the final day of the training the participants trekked through the dense forest and visited the Shiela Lippi monument. A memory down Indian history was recalled when instructors explained some of the historical facts about the dynasties of Bihar, Bengal and Orissa (Anga, Banga & Kallinga). The camp ended with a round of applause and group photographs. After enjoying a wonderful outbound experience the team returned to Kolkata. Click here for pictures