HOPE..
Four Alphabets and Lasting Impressions…..
While the programs are designed to impart the ‘Forty Developmental Assets’, it specially focuses on the asset of ‘Restraint’. Interaction with the past batches highlighted the everyday antisocial battles the youth face. To help them cope with the challenges of the changing ideals in the world, the participants were taught ‘restraint’ as a basic principle for leading a happy and healthy life.
What specifically stands out in the programme is the mentor-mentee relationship between the participants and the facilitators. Mentors or facilitators are path-finders and guides for their groups; each of which have 10 - 11 participants. The facilitators are handpicked to suit the needs and requirements of the group. They are often seen dedicating not only their Time and Knowledge but also their Heart and Soul to these participants.
As the facilitators physically live with the participants throughout the camp stay, breaks and activities, each facilitator bonds with his/her mentee at a personal level. They learn their stories, live their stories and also empathise with them as if they were one family. This emotional bond is a rare and new experience for the participants. It is this bond that has appealed to participants and supported them towards change.
At Aashayein, each participant comes as an individual, but leaves as a part of the support group with promises, a vision and eyes that do not stop shedding tears1. The diverse and positive impact of this program has changed lives, not only of the participants, but of their families too. The camp facilitates a full circle -- of learning from the society and giving back to the society.
