Ayodhya (UP), September 23, 2024 – In an initiative to equip young people with critical life skills and foster a supportive community, Pakka Foundation, in collaboration with Potli Productions and The Hyphen, organized a two-day workshop for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students and local school children. Held in Ayodhya, the workshop aimed at imparting essential life skills while engaging parents in meaningful conversations about aspirations, cultural expectations, and the vital role of family support in nurturing children’s success.
The workshop expanded its reach to include school children, emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills from an early age. Integrating creative media and storytelling, the sessions were designed to develop critical life skills like communication, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and decision-making for both older and younger participants. Through interactive stories, real-life scenarios, and engaging activities, students and children alike were encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences and strengthen their emotional resilience and adaptability.
Sarita Upadhyay, Head-Pakka Foundation shared, "At Pakka Foundation, we believe that life skills—such as leadership, resilience, and effective communication—are crucial at every stage of a young person’s development. By using storytelling and creative media, we’ve made these concepts come alive for both ITI students and school children, ensuring they can confidently navigate both academic and personal challenges. This workshop is part of our larger vision to introduce a life skills curriculum that prepares youth not just for careers but for lifelong success."
The use of storytelling and real-life examples allowed participants to internalize abstract concepts, making them applicable to both professional and personal growth.
Deepali, Founder, Potli Productions said, "Storytelling is a powerful tool because it connects emotions with learning. It turns abstract life skills into real, lived experiences that are both memorable and relatable. By weaving in creative media, we allowed participants to see themselves as the protagonists of their own stories—empowering them to take charge of their futures with confidence and clarity."
The workshop sessions showcased how life skills could be seamlessly integrated into academic curricula and personal development, paving the way for a formal life skills curriculum in schools and technical institutions.
Parent Engagement
The workshop also included parent sensitization sessions. These sessions aimed to break down cultural barriers and encourage parents to actively nurture their children’s dreams and career choices—whether in technical fields or beyond.
Sarita Upadhyay spoke about the importance of engaging parents in the process. "Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of young people, but cultural expectations can sometimes limit their career choices. By opening up dialogues with parents through storytelling and local examples, we helped them see the importance of supporting their children's ambitions, creating an environment where young people can thrive," she said.
The sessions also touched on gender roles and other cultural challenges that might affect career choices, encouraging parents to foster more inclusive, supportive environments for both their sons and daughters.
Life Skills Curriculum
The workshop laid the groundwork for a comprehensive life skills curriculum that the Pakka Foundation plans to introduce in Pakka Skills, a skilling initiative by the Pakka Foundation. By integrating life skills into the education system, the goal is to prepare students for the workforce and the emotional and social challenges of adulthood. The aim of the initiative is to develop and pilot a holistic life skills curriculum for all the stakeholders impacting the lives of young individuals in shaping and supporting their careers
Way Forward
Sarita Upadhyay emphasized the need for partnerships in driving meaningful change: "Collaboration is crucial to achieving lasting impact. By working with Potli Productions and The Hyphen, we are creating a program that addresses both the educational and emotional needs of students, children, teachers, parents, employers and system actors. We’re committed to expanding this model and introducing life skills as a core part of the school and ITI curriculum, ensuring that youth are prepared for whatever life throws their way."
The workshop received positive feedback from students, children, and parents alike. Many participants shared how the storytelling-based life skills training will help them in interviews, managing relationships, and tackling real-world challenges.
The Pakka Foundation also aims to create a playbook of a replicable model for these works to expand its reach in other academic institutions for a bigger impact with a focus on deepening community engagement and enhancing the employability and personal development of rural youth.
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