Empowering the youth
The rising challenges in Kasargod district of Kerala, including drug problems, mental health problems and juvenile delinquency, have contributed to social disharmony. Youth in the region often lose their place in the community and are at risk of leading unproductive lives. Inactivity among youth can lead to drug addiction or affiliation with radical ideologies, especially in areas like Syria, Iraq and South Sudan where young people are often recruited as fighters.
The conservative environment in Kasargod fosters hatred towards people with deviant ideologies and results in inactive youth often getting involved in criminal activities and drug abuse. The diversity of cultures in Kasargod and the lack of proper educational institutions and intercultural dialogue spaces in the district compound this problem. This prevents youth from thinking beyond conservative and polarized thought patterns. It therefore becomes urgent to provide them with healthy alternatives.
To counteract this trend, it is important to provide opportunities for young people in Kasargod to engage constructively and lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Fireflies will implement 3 projects that will benefit around 1,040 young people between the ages of 15 and 30. These projects aim to address youth facing various challenges such as lack of motivation, juvenile delinquency, addiction problems, limited personal development opportunities, educational barriers and unemployment. Regardless of their ethnicity, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status, these young people will be supported through constructive activities and skills development to bring about a positive change in their lives and enable them to have a more promising future.
SAPTHA:
Fireflies initiates a transformative nine-month journey through three 7-day residential programs for 60 youth aged 18-24. These programs offer intensive experiences in self-awareness, interactive activities, teamwork, gender diversity and critical thinking. A collaborative approach integrates experts from the fields of mental health and education. The goal is to provide youth with opportunities to engage constructively, grow personally and become productive members of society. By creating alternative pathways to crime and addiction, the project contributes to the development of a harmonious and peaceful community that promotes individual growth and positive social contribution. The workshop takes a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical insights with practical experiences. Guided by experienced facilitators, participants embark on an introspective journey where they unravel layers of self-awareness.
Chimminikood:
Chimminikood, the first Youth Empowerment Hub in Kasargod, offers a unique space for young people to learn basic skills in short-term workshops every 2 weeks. The topics range from cooking and time management to first aid and financial literacy. These workshops not only serve as a basis, but also open up access to more advanced knowledge. Chimminikood not only functions as a source of knowledge, but also as an open space for discussions on topics such as gender roles, sex education, mental health and political views. Young people can exchange ideas, learn from experts and find inspiration here. Financially adjusted participation fees make access possible for everyone.
Volunteering:
Over a six-month period, Fireflies plans 12 bi-weekly volunteering opportunities for youth aged 15-30. These opportunities include clean-ups, awareness campaigns, and supporting senior citizens and people with disabilities. The goal is to instill a sense of purpose and social responsibility in youth. Regular workshops to develop leadership skills, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are held every two months. Youth are connected with mentors and mental health professionals to address individual challenges. Additionally, workshops are conducted to improve organizational and team-building skills. The Youth Empowerment Hub in Chimminikood serves as a central location for workshops, meetings, and mentoring to create a sustainable platform for positive change among the youth of Kasaragod.
Fireflies’ three projects are having a profound impact on youth in Kasaragod, India by initiating positive individual development, preventing addiction and crime, and promoting community participation. The first project, Saptha , focuses on personal development through transformative workshops that build self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking. It not only creates a harmonious community, but also promotes intercultural dialogue and contributes to social empowerment.
The second project, Chimminikood , gives young people access to a wide range of knowledge through regular workshops. It promotes life skills, awareness of social issues and creates space for healthy discussions. As a meeting place for exchange and discussion, it becomes a center for personal development and community building.
Project 3, Volunteering , emphasizes social responsibility and meaningfulness through volunteering and workshops. It opens up new perspectives, promotes the development of life skills and creates a sustainable platform for community service projects. Together, these projects not only generate individual change, but also impact families and communities by fostering a supportive culture of social engagement, tolerance and understanding. The goal is a generation of young people who actively contribute to the positive change of their community and drive sustainable developments in various areas of life.
Gautham grew up in Kasargod, which is affected by cultural and political conflict. He has experienced first-hand how the pressure of expectations from family and society can affect mental health. He is tackling these challenges with his organization Fireflies. He sees adolescence as a crucial phase in life that shapes not only the individual’s path but also the fate of the people around him. Gautham himself often lacked support during this time and he observed how many of his friends fell into “unhealthy” paths and suffered.
Fireflies’ mission is to empower the youth of Kasaragod, overcome socio-economic barriers and enable them to actively contribute to the community. Through volunteerism and experiential learning, Fireflies creates opportunities for personal development and skill acquisition that can bring about positive change.