Our Work - Major Events
International and National Youth Day
We believe that India’s young people have to realize that if they are to change the world they must start with themselves. We also believe that youth living in slums can utilize their energies in a constructive fashion to steer their own lives as well as that of their community. Thus, Youth become Agents of Transformation – change makers. The processes of globalization, urbanization and marginalization have left the youth of urban slums suppressed and frustrated. The super communication systems and information technology is a one-way traffic and those left outside the “satellite roads” are unaware of this magical software revolution. Youth who have good education and opportunities are able to take tremendous benefits of globalization. On the other hand, youth of slums, unaware of their capacities and strength, are not able to face today’s competitive world.
St. Xavier’s Social Service Society is working with the youth in urban slums on two different fronts: one, to enhance the capacity of the young girls and boys to improve their quality of life and two, to organize them into groups so that they become change agents bringing important changes to their society. To reinforce this, International Youth Day and National Youth Day are especially observed to bring youth from different areas on a common platform and make them feel it is their day. The day brings the message that youth is a source of energy, which if utilized in a proper way, may bring changes in society.
Hundreds of youth participate in the celebration of International Youth Day, and take from it a spark of renewed fervour: "Let us organize ourselves; let us shape our future". In such a huge gathering of young girls and boys the atmosphere that day remains full of energy! The general outcry is: it is the day of the youth, for the youth and by the youth! The air is filled with youthfulness and enjoyment.
The celebration of the day has different parts: entertainment programmes and capacity building programmes like seminars, lectures, and the like. The entertainment programmes generally involve the youth from our areas only. Organized in the large halls the programme provides the much-needed platform for the youth to exhibit their talents and togetherness. The cheers and applaud from the peer groups remain the source of energy for them.
The day also includes recognizing and acknowledging talents. It provides encouragement in the form of awards, certificates and prizes. Over a hundred or more youth selected for their performances in the field of education achievements, economic contributions, social involvement and sports successes during the year are rewarded with incentives to further enrich them.