Leaders of Tomorrow

“These three days have changed my life; I learnt to speak out and ask questions,” said a 15-year-old tribal boy from Nashik, gleaming with self-confidence. He was ­speaking at the valedictory function of a RYLA programme ­conducted by RC Nashik, D 3030, at the Yashwantrao ­Chavan ­Maharashtra Open University. Like him, the ­programme conducted from January 20–22 by the club opened up new avenues for 80 students from three tribal schools.

It included motivational lectures on goal setting, a skill based workshop, assertive communication, motivational games, career opportunities etc. The youngsters were given information on government jobs.

The students were given a peek into farming and ­agriculture with personnel from the Krushi Vigyan ­Kendra sharing their knowledge. They were excited to visit a ­poultry farm unit, polyhouses, a modern irrigation management unit and were given practical lessons on fruit grafting in a horticulture nursery.

Best RYLA girl and boy were awarded trophies at the end of the programme. The club is planning to conduct a similar training programme for tribal teachers too.