In a groundbreaking collaboration between Mission Samriddhi, Talent Quest for India, Ullas Trust , and Young Tinker, the Tamil Nadu Cluster Development Program unfolded a transformative experience through the “Young Tinker Village Planning” Program. As a part of the Ullas summit and thematic session at Villupuram Cluster on January 28, 2024, high school students embarked on a journey of creativity, innovation, and community building.
The program, delivered and mentored by TQI volunteers from Theivanai Ammal College for Women, Villupuram, captured the hearts and minds of students in a series of impactful steps. More than 50 volunteers from TQI were trained by the Young Tinker Team to undertake the Village Planning program.
The initiative kicked off with mentors igniting the spark of innovation, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm in the classroom. The goal was clear – to introduce students to the captivating world of village planning and set the stage for a day brimming with creativity and new ideas.
Students, armed with small stickers, turned these into canvases for their dreams. Each sticker became a personal proclamation of aspirations, proudly worn by students on their shirts, sharing their visions with the world. Simple questions prompted reflections on their roots – the name of their village, a small yet potent connection to their identity.
Moving from personal aspirations to communal understanding, the students collectively contributed to a board detailing the features of their village, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of their community. In teams, students elected a leader, or “Sarpanch,” through democratic voting, guiding their teams to choose unique names reflecting unity and purpose.
With newfound knowledge of directions, students translated their dreams into tangible blueprints, crafting vibrant canvases that depicted every facility in their village. Basic geometry came to life as students folded colorful papers to construct buildings, houses, and hospitals, adding depth and dimension to their creations.
Identifying challenges became the next focus, sparking innovative solutions as students brainstormed how better planning could address issues in their village. These ideas transformed into actionable plans on the model.
The workshop concluded with a moment of pride as students held their certificates – a testament to their creativity, collaboration, and newfound knowledge in village planning. Scholarships were also distributed based on academic excellence, adding an extra layer of encouragement for their efforts.
A young student presented a chart illustrating the impact of the Ullas Summit program, emphasizing the positive changes witnessed in the community. In the heart of Villupuram Cluster, the echoes of creativity and collaboration linger, painting a promising picture of empowered leaders shaping the destiny of their villages. The “Young Tinker Village Planning” Program not only empowers students but also lays the foundation for a community-driven future. As these young minds dream, plan, and innovate, they pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
About Mission Samriddhi: Mission Samriddhi, founded and funded by AAUM Trust and Polaris Foundation, is a social impact platform dedicated to holistic development of Rural India, through the design and development of projects that are sustainable and capable of scale to positively impact the larger population.
About Talent Quest for India: Talent Quest for India (TQI) Trust is a team of enthusiastic youth volunteers with a vision of creating socially responsible leaders in every community. TQI has transformed from an idea of student involvement in social activities in their neighborhood to a volunteering movement in about 30 districts across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. We have engaged over 6000+ youth leaders to deliver holistic development and social awareness programs.
About Young Tinker Foundation: The Young Tinker Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization with a vision to build an equitable world through STEAM education and skills of the future. We are on a mission to democratize access to the world’s best hands-on STEAM education to enable makers and innovators of today and tomorrow. Young Tinker is know for building Young Tinker Spaces- Collaborative spaces for schools students to learn life skills by doing.