Empowering the Youth in India

Dear Reader

Greetings from Rainbow Homes Program - Futures!

This last quarter began a struggle to keep our children and young adults safe in the second wave of the pandemic that was unleashed. In the core futures program we tried to continue the planned program activities for the young adults batches across the cities. Sticking strictly to online correspondences we had a refresher workshop on the new symptoms and safety precautions against Covid 19 second wave of more infectious and dangerous variants in India.

Following are some of the activities we did in this quarter:

1. Update from the city of Kolkata: We have Young adults Girls group of 5 get enrolled into a vocational course with the Apparel Training and Design Centre - Kolkata. This was a wonderful opportunity for which the girls have gotten settled in a group living settlement. Our futures team from Kolkata ensured they have the basic amenities in their new home and for their course studies. They are in regular touch through phone, virtual calls, and safe visits from time to time or when needed.

Another update is organizing a training program on areas like Youth life issues, building trust amongst the peer group and with their carers, being open to needing and asking for psychological support when one feels distressed. The major areas of focus began with identifying one's need and state of mind when going through different life's phases. This ensured that our young adults feel free to connect with their carers and that carers be able to lend a unbiased ear to their problems and emotions.

2. Bangalore Update: Under the entitlements and building awareness, there's been a session on different vulnerable professions that the poor communities engage with. One such session was on the hazardous act of manual scavenging which leads to many people loosing their lives when they go down the manholes and gutters and the negligible safety provisions that comes with the job. The focus was also to make sure the Young adults know of the legal provisions present in the constitution.

3. The international women's day was celebrated with zeal and passion supporting the message of empowering and supporting fellow women in all walks of life. This day followed an open group discussion on what counts as support, how women can empower and help other women, what are the modern day problems in the patriarchal society and what are such groundbreaking initiatives and programs that one can get inspired with. This event entirely planned by the young adults had an equal participation both from the male and female groups of young adults across 4 cities.

4. One such way to feel empowered is learning to be self reliant. The best way to start could be learning to drive. For which the girls group in Bangalore underwent an exhaustive training on driving two wheeler mopeds and ending up with them successfully getting their own driving licenses. There was nothing more exhilarating than seeing these young women be able to safely drive themselves through the town!

5. The regular career guiding sessions have ensured our young adults groups remain focused and do not feel anxious in the stressful environment of Covid which has caused exam uncertainties, delays and turned the normal course of coaching, learning and the student life. The idea was to rejuvenate fresh ideas and how online and virtual classes too can be a way out of achieve higher education or continue learning for their set careers.

What we request you is that you continue to support these budding young citizens in their pursuits to an independent livelihood where they can add in to the society, be a support to themselves and their families. Looking at the distress it'd be a great help if you and your friends can come forward to support to protect these young friends be safe in this pandemic. 

Note: All session activites were under strict and safe COVID protocols. All beneficiaries have consented to their use of group pictures.

Regards

Rainbow Homes - Futures