The young have many voices. Of dissent. Of protest. And because the young gaze is unsparingly honest, it is potentially a catalyst for change. Change happens when disparate dots are connected and scattered ideas synergise a movement and no one knows that better than AIESEC, the worlds largest youth run organization.

 Almost 60 mellow years of age, it however is a microcosm of what the young around the world feel about the milieus they inhabit, the issues they confront, the solutions they create. With over 45,000 members and counting all over the world (107 countries and more) AIESEC has over the decades joined many dots and proactively built the idea of a global community. 

AIESEC Delhi University has been one of the  most active and high performing committees in the world and has worked closely with NGOs, consultants, educational institutions and other development organisations to share information, skills and perspectives that can change lives.

Even though AIESEC is a global organisation with an emphasis on international student exchange, its Delhi University committee has invested a lot in local initiatives. The latest being UDAAN 2011 that attempts to address the  needs of at least some of the underprivileged children in India who have limited or no access to quality education and to even the simple joys of childhood. 

 UDAAN 2011 hopes to initiate underprivileged children through cultural workshops and competitions into quality educational opportunities. On July 15 and 17, two comprehensive events were organised at Deepalya School, Okhla Phase -2 and at  Ansals Institute of Technology, Gurgaon. At Deepalya School, 450 children were treated to an art competition and a workshop about career options, life skills, advanced education options and more. Health and hygiene tips were given by AIESEC volunteers (Indian as well as international interns), food and refreshments were provided and there was also a stimulating arts and crafts workshop about puppet and kite making. 

Today on July 17, AIESEC volunteers along with the NGO Koshish organised a cultural performance, a painting competition, a toy making workshop, a presentation and discussion on waste reuse/reduction/recycling, management and efficient garbage disposal. 

For the children, this was not just an entertaining but a rewarding way to connect with the world they sometimes feel disadvantaged in. For the volunteers, it was equally rewarding to bond with children who have not had the opportunities they deserve but will possibly leave this experience, enriched in mind and soul.  

 Here are the details of the forthcoming events.. 

July 19, 2011    –   Deenbandhu School, Seemapuri

July 23, 2011    –   Vidyapeeth, Gurgaon

July 27,2011     –  Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram

July 30, 2011    –   Bal Bhavan, ITO

 If you want to volunteer or need more information, contact:

Richa Sharma +91-9871214849

Raghav Bagai +91-9999300930

Or email at Udaan2011.oc@gmail.com

Unboxed Writers are proud to be the web partners of this event and will keep posting more interesting updates in the days to come.

Reema Moudgil is the author of  Perfect Eight (http://www.flipkart.com/b/books/perfect-eight-reema-moudgil-book-9380032870?affid=unboxedwri )