Chennai, Feb 14: The U.S. Consulate General, Chennai in partnership with U.S.-based Transformational Sports, and local partner Katradi conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop for 33 youth leaders from across the country at Paripurna Training Centre in Manapakkam, Chennai from February 10 to 14.
The youth from 22 cities across India deliberated, shared ideas, and initiated an all-India youth volunteer network to help communities across India on a range of issues including gender equality, public health awareness, environmental conservation, and disaster relief.
Consul for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, Lauren Lovelace said, “Young Indians have a positive role to play not just in their own country but across the world. These young leaders inspire and guide us.”
Transformational Sports Director Elizabeth Haynes said, “It’s an honor to bring together such an amazing group of young people who have already dedicated much of their life to improving society in different parts of India. The last few days have been filled with incisive discussions opening up a deeper understanding of the issues facing India and creative ways to harness youth power across the country.”
The workshop created deep transformation and strong connections among participants based on core values and shared aspirations to contribute to a better world. Each participant will now receive a seed funding to facilitate their own social impact program and training session for individuals within their respective communities.
O.M. Ameer Salman, a participant from Malappuram said, “If we are drowning, we cannot ask for help from others who are also drowning. We need people on the shore. That is why I need these youth, who are spread all over the country with their own specializations, skills, and communities.”
Rajan Thakur, a participant from Pune said, “All of us here are eager to build an inclusive network of volunteers. We are hoping to put forward sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing gaps across the country. This is just the beginning.”
