Voice of the Youth

The Anandshala Resource Center (ARC) at Kalaunjar village is an engaging and learning space for different stakeholders in the community, primarily youth in the age group of 16 to 30 years. Centrally located in the village, the space is designed for people to interact, learn and create an impact in their lives as well as the community.

Holistic skill development

The Center supports opportunities for youth to develop their social, emotional, entrepreneurial and employability skills and offers programs for career development. The ARC runs a program on basics of digital literacy. The Centre consists of a library, a computer lab and other facilities that can be accessed by anyone in the community.

Career advancements

The ARC keeps books on competitive exams and helps the youth fill online applications for jobs and further studies. The Centre helps youth connect with potential employers and tries to find suitable internships. A couple of ARC students who want to become teachers are doing internships at the school.

School connect

ARC supported school processes by engaging with school bodies and teachers to improve school environment, giving a helping hand wherever necessary and even teaching in the classroom if necessary.

Girl power

For a lot of girls in the village, the ARC has been a helpful resource to upskill themselves. The short courses offered are convenient and open up the possibility of joining the workforce and becoming financially independent.

"पिछले साल ARC के 115 बच्चों में से 80 सिर्फ लड़किया थी!"

- दीपक , क्वेस्ट अलायन्स

Looking back

The ARC’s location in the middle of the village has pros and cons. Although it is easily accessible to people in the community, different issues in the community affect the functioning of the ARC.

The replacements in the on-ground Quest team also left the community bewildered, who were suddenly unsure if the centre was there to stay or not. But over time, the regular classes have resulted in a considerable increase in the attendance as well.

The youth have developed a sense of ownership towards the school and want to contribute in whatever possible way. The potential of these youth champions can be further explored.