Objectives:
Provide friendly atmosphere conducive to learning; reduce delinquent behaviours of children from lower socio-economic class who are often school drop-outs
Member Involvement:
- Informal and supplemental educational activities
- Indoor and outdoor recreational programmes
- Parents’ counselling
Frequency / Location:
Mon to Sat 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the FS campus
An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. So, the Youth Club, initiated in 1978, tries to fulfill the need to channelize the energy, time and vigor of the youth from the lower socio-economic neighboring areas of Kamathipura and prevent them from moving towards delinquency. On an average, 50 to 60 boys and girls benefit annually from this activity.
The young children, usually school dropouts, are provided with facilities for engaging in sports, informal education, formal coaching, as well as outstation leadership and nature appreciation camps. Furthermore, they are trained in arts, crafts, and performing arts, and are encouraged to take part in ialent contests held in Vadodara. They have also been taught karate and clay modeling. Youth Club activities provide an environment that is conducive to their development and help keep them constructively occupied along with developing positive values. These activities and celebrating festivals enhance their self-esteem and optimism, and lead to positive growth during the critical period of their lives. Some of the needy children are given financial and material support and periodic medical check-ups.
Exposure to the real world is facilitated by taking them on visits to variety of operations, for example, a local bank to show them how it functions and how to open an account. Over the years, visits were made to the airport, Baroda Dairy, planetarium, etc. Often talks have been arranged on topics like traffic rules, health and hygiene, importance of education, and so on.