Award Leader Experience - Ms. Madhuri Gour, IAYP Award Coordinator, JBCN International School, Borivali

 In July 2020, I, Madhuri Gour from JBCN International School in Borivali, commenced my journey as an IAYP Award Leader Coordinator. It brings me immense joy to reflect on my ongoing journey. As part of our school's vision to promote the holistic development of learners, The International Award for Young People has provided them with various opportunities to make a difference in the world.

I have witnessed significant changes in Award Participants as they progress through the Bronze and Silver levels. The Award Programme has enabled them to improve their physical fitness and discover their physical strength, as well as explore and develop their interests and skills, which are essential for personal and career growth.

Furthermore, the adventurous journey aspect of the programme has taught them valuable life skills and prepared them to handle unexpected challenges.
I must acknowledge the unwavering support of the IAYP team, particularly Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty and Ms. Kavita Patil, who patiently answered all the students' questions and contributed to their success.

I am grateful to my school's Director Principal, Mrs. Debika Chatterji and Deputy Principal, Mr. Soumyabrata Mukherjee, for placing their trust in me and allowing me to lead The Award Programme in our school.

by Madhuri Gour, IAYP Award Coordinator, JBCN International School, Borivali

The Award in Action- Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

 Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training at Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth!

Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, organized a Student's Orientation along with an Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training program of The International Award for Young People (IAYP) on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The event was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, IAYP India. The program was also successful in celebrating the accomplishment of 104 Award participants who had completed their Bronze level of the Award Programme. The main objective of the program was to introduce the young people to the Award Programme, provide training to the Award Leaders, and celebrate the accomplishments of the students who had completed the Bronze level.
Mr. Mukhoty then conducted a presentation that provided an overview of The International Award for Young People and its objectives, the different sections of the programme and the benefits of participation. Following this, the Award Leaders were given training on how to guide and support the students in their pursuit of the Award. Mr. Mukhoty provided us with valuable insights and tips on how to motivate the participants and help them choose the activities that align with their interests and strengths. After the training session, the students who had already received the IAYP Award were felicitated in a ceremony. Mr. Mukhoty congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of personal development and social service. The Award participants were felicitated and appreciated for their hard work and dedication towards achieving the Bronze level.

The Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training programme of IAYP organized on May 6, 2023, was a successful event. It provided an opportunity for young people to learn about the programme, the Award Leaders to receive training to guide and motivate the students and for the school to celebrate the accomplishments of its students. The felicitation ceremony for the students who had completed the Bronze level was a motivation for others to participate and work towards achieving the Award.

The International Award for Young People provides an excellent platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to their communities, and this event was a step towards fostering this spirit of growth and service in the students.

Thank you IAYP!

by Dr. Ekta Dhawan, Principal, Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala.

The Award in Action- Jaimukund Bhan, The Lawrence School, Sanawar

Award Experience by Jaimukund Bhan of The Lawrence School, Sanawar

Clearing the Bronze level of The International Award for Young People with a few of my fellow classmates was a very enriching and engaging experience. As it was during a time when everyone was home and we had to make a semi-offline diary, it was important to keep up a set routine to remain productive and not fall into the pit of lethargy.
We started with the adventure journey, planning and researching the hikes which we could have taken if the situation had been favourable. We filled up questionnaires to check what we would have done in the various scenarios which would take place during a trip. We made food for the trip and slept on a slightly uncomfortable surface, just to emulate the feeling of actually going on a hike.
Our time during quarantine also included polishing our hobbies and practicing our sports. I spent most of my time coding in different computer programming languages, having completed many online courses and playing football at least an hour a day. For voluntary work, I took care of my friend’s grandmother at home, spending time with her and sharing things from my life, while hearing stories from hers. Working on these things was a very good way to stay active, both mentally and physically.
I would like to thank Mrs. Anuradha Sharma for guiding me through my time in the bronze level, along with my friends who helped me out and were completing their bronze level with me, and The Lawrence School, Sanawar, for providing me with the opportunity to pursue this Award Programme!

The Award in Action- Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

Award participants from Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

IAYP REPORT: VISIT TO LEPROSY HOME

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!

A group of young people from Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, visited a leprosy home to play their part in providing voluntary service to the people affected by leprosy who are abandoned by their families and communities. The Award Participants arrived at the home early in the morning and were warmly welcomed by the staff and residents.

The participants were then divided into small groups and assigned different tasks, such as serving food, distributing medicines, and assisting the residents with their daily activities. They also spent time interacting with the residents, listening to their stories and learning about their experiences.

The young people also distributed food packets containing rice, vegetables, and fruits to the residents of the home. They also spent time interacting with the people and entertained them with songs, dance performances and games. They also brought along some board games and books, which the residents could use to cherish the moments.

The residents of the leprosy home were delighted to have the Award participants visit them. They appreciated the kindness and generosity and were grateful for the food and entertainment. The participants also had an enriching experience, learning about the lives of people affected by leprosy and the challenges they face in society.

Through their interactions, our Award participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the residents of the Leprosy Home and the importance of social and voluntary service. They also learned about the measures taken by the staff members to ensure the well-being of the residents and the importance of empathy and compassion in serving the community. While sharing their experiences and insights, the young students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and pledged to continue their efforts in making a positive impact on society.

Overall, the visit to the Leprosy Home was a valuable learning experience for the young people of BLPS. It not only helped them develop empathy and compassion but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate in society. The International Award for Young People has proven to be an effective platform for developing ethical and responsible citizens who are committed to making a positive impact on society.

IAYP has played an important role in making our students understand their responsibility towards society.

Thank you IAYP!

Dr. Ekta Dhawan
Principal
Bawa Lalvani Public School
Kapurthala

The Award in Action- Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School, Chennai

 Adventurous Journey of Award participants from Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School, Chennai

DAY 1:

On 24th March, last minute goodbyes’ and run through of packing checklists reverberated in the air as the Mangalore Express took off from Chennai Central Railway station in the late afternoon sun. We filled into the compartments exuberantly to chatter about our holiday plans while revelling in typical train delicacies and hot tea. The sky turned a resplendent orange as we feasted on our dinners. This was followed by hushed-up whispers and silent games played late into the night until we all succumbed to serene slumber.

DAY 2:

We arose early the next day and scrambled to get our suitcases to line up in the hustling and bustling Mangalore station. A 2 hour bus journey dominated by disco and dance took us to Didupe village, a tranquil landscape dotted with palm trees, gentle breeze and vivid creatures. After a quick freshen-up, we took jeeps and open trucks to arrive at our trekking site. Armed with only water and mango juice, the trek along the undulating terrain left us panting and exhausted in no time under the scorching sun. We witnessed nature at its best walking along the stony trail besieged by dense trees, crunched leaves and buzzing bees. The fact that someone would have our back in case of an untimely trip gave us some strength as we climbed further only to hear the distinct ripple of water in the enchanting Ermayi falls. The teeth clattering cold did not stand in our way as we jumped into the little pool for a much-needed bath. It was all fun and games until our feet stepped on the slimy moss. This was an experience to behold as no one had the heart to leave despite shivering profusely. Our tired legs somehow carried us back to the starting point, our homestay where we crashed into bed after an efficacious Karnataka meal in the warmth and glow of a merry bonfire.

DAY 3:

Loud groans and protests could be heard in the crack of dawn as we were woken up to embark on our next trek. This terrain was easier to ascend, albeit with sudden slopes and slippery shingle. In no time, the Kadamagundi falls was in sight in all its glory with crystal clear water cascading down its length. A nerve-racking climb on the mossy rocks took us to the ultimate shower of heaven. While the bullet-like drops were initially painful, it soon evolved into a mollifying back massage, one which no salon could ever give! Down below, a small fish gave us free pedicure while aquatic spiders hung unto our clothes inducing superfluous screams. On our way back, none of us complained about time or distance till the destination but instead exclaimed airily that the trek was a piece of cake. Surely, this trek had exposed our inner athletes! We reached the resort to get ready for the fireless cooking challenge. We were given onions, potatoes, buns, watermelons, rice flakes, salt, pepper and a bonfire and were asked to awaken our inner Masterchefs. The session ended with platters of burnt vegetables with an overdose of spices resulting in a realization that we would not survive two days in a forest and deep appreciation for our mothers( to be fair, there were a few exceptions).We relaxed for a while and joined the dance around a colossal bonfire. A scrumptious meal of dosa and pulao turned out to be the icing of the cake as we dropped off to sleep after an eventful day.

DAY 4:

Some of us were still packing at the eleventh hour the next day when we were called down for breakfast. Post the meal, we checked out of Navagraha homestay and bid adieu to Didupe as we took the bus to Mangalore. Some of us caught up on our lost sleep or sang along to the tunes played along the ride. We arrived at the Mahatobhaara Sri Mangaladevi Temple, famous for giving Mangalore its name. After offering our prayers to the deity of Mangladevi, we advanced towards the bus after engaging in a shopping spree of chips and cool drinks. We then proceeded towards the railway station after an enticing lunch, making our way towards our respective compartments. What followed was another typical, fun filled train journey fittingly spent recollecting our priceless memories and learnings from our adventures in the heart and soul of Karnataka, right here at Didupe, as the Mangalore express chugged along back towards Chennai.