Inspiring youth and community transformation
On the occasion of International Youth Day, Rotaract Club of Resilience, RID 3011, launched Project Bol Bachchan — a holistic public speaking programme designed to transform shy students into confident orators. “Through engaging workshops, expert guidance and practical exercises, we aimed to enhance communication skills, build self-esteem and empower 45 students to become effective leaders,” says project coordinator Yash Arora.
Under Project Jagriti, the club distributed 500 packs of sanitary pads to adolescent girls and women in a slum colony in Delhi. “We spoke to them about menstrual hygiene and healthy habits. The girls were initially reticent to talk about menstruation but later on they felt comfortable and were receptive to discussions and suggestions,” he says. The club plans to continue this project throughout the year.
Project Beyond Pink and Blue was a two-day educational initiative aimed at promoting gender equality among school students. It focused on challenging traditional gender stereotypes and encouraging a mindset of inclusivity and equality among young students. Over the course of two days, volunteers from the club interacted with 250 students, engaging them in meaningful conversations and activities related to gender equality. Through interactive workshops, students were encouraged to reflect on their beliefs and perceptions about gender roles. The workshops were designed to be both educational and engaging, using storytelling, roleplays and group discussions, to facilitate deeper understanding. The goal of these sessions was to foster a sense of empathy and understanding among the students, creating a more inclusive learning environment. The initiative also aimed to empower students to think critically about stereotypes and to stand up against gender biases in their daily lives, says Yash.
The club distributed stationery kits, notebooks, water bottles and lunch boxes to 150 students at the S K Foundation in Janakpuri, Delhi. “We did a needs assessment in the school before deciding on the project, and found that the children come from financially weak families. Although they are eager to attend school, financial constraints make it difficult for the parents to provide the children the basic essentials,” he says. The club members identify this project as Tools for Tomorrow.
The club launched a series of inspiring podcasts titled Sparsh: Stories of the Brave, featuring real stories of bravery and resilience for the benefit of its members. Each podcast amplifies the voices of individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges and overcome them with strength and resilience. The podcast’s inaugural episode featured Alka Rai, who lost her father in the Uri terror attack in Kashmir. Despite the tragedy, Alka and her family found the courage to heal, rise, and inspire others.
Sparsh aims to share similar stories of bravery and resilience, highlighting the strength and courage of real people who have overcome adversity. “By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire and motivate others to find the strength to face their own challenges. The podcast has already gained recognition, having featured on newspaper websites and garnering praise for its inspiring content,” says Agarwal.
Project Pawfect provides shelter, vaccination, and love stray dogs. The project includes safe shelter for stray dogs, vaccination and deworming drives, and reflective collars to prevent accidents. Awareness sessions were conducted to educate the public about dog care and welfare. The club organised a 101-day food drive where the members provided food for stray dogs. n
