Work with Young Generation
JCS has also begun motivating local youth living in rural areas
to actively participate in developing their community. JCS is responding
to a wave of disillusionment towards a rural way of life in these
young people who seem enamored by urban and western cultures. The
rural education system also seems to contribute to their disillusionment
by failing to integrate practical learning into the curriculum and
by ignoring the link between education and rural development. These
external influences conflict with their traditional lifestyles,
leading youth to migrate to the cities in search of employment and
the urban experience.
In response to this issue, JCS started a youth
empowerment and Cadre-building programme that focuses on community
participation, targeting students and local youth. Youth groups
held regular meetings and organize relevant activities, they also
create forums to share their experiences, to formulate ideas, and
to develop transferable life skills. This programme established
a focus to build community pride and a sense of responsibility among
the rural youth.
This programme was organized in three clusters. These youths act
as organization’s cadre to spread and promote the concept of PESA
Act and mobilize tribals to attend Gaon Sabhas. The idea behind
passing this Act was told to them and how it would be effective
to establish tribal self-rule. Difference between Gram Sabha and
Gaon Sabha was made clear and powers of Gaon Sabha were discussed
in detail. Importance of tribal tradition and customs were discussed
and it is very necessary to protect them to protect the identity
of tribals. Provisions of Employment Guarantee Act and Right to
Information Act were also discussed. They were asked to discuss
these issues with the villagers to develop their understanding about
it.
JCS is looking to further develop this program and leverage the
youth in creating more community-based initiatives.