Orientation, in the purview of philosophy, is the accomplishment of unravelling one’s destined path successfully in a new situation. Individuals who rightly imbibe the philosophy cope with surprising and difficult situations with aplomb. The unprecedented situation imposed by the pandemic still being around, the nature of caring and empathising with the unpriviledged have found a new vigour amongst the youth, thanks to programmes like the International Award for Young People (IAYP), for acting as an outstanding guide in championing the youth to achieve their sojourn of honing the skills for working towards a better community.
In its own stride, the CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai took immense pride in organising the IAYP orientation session for the 3rd year, for the IGCSE and IBDP students of the academic year 2021-2022. The session unfolded with a welcome address followed by an orientation session on the aim of the IAYP program that involved not just motivating young people aged between 14 and 25 years for voluntary self-development, but also enhancing their potential by perseverance to accomplish in their chosen task of rendering service to the community. Emphasis was laid on the mandatory sections involving Voluntary Service, Adventure Journey, Skills and Physical Recreation which students must undertake so as to make them eligible for the three categories of awards namely Bronze, Silver and Gold. Commitment towards the programme was envisaged through videos of the heart-warming endeavours during the pandemic, be it at Akshaya old-age home at Pallikaranai, Valsaravakkam and or the annual “CPS GS Joy of Giving” or the WALK INDIA Project involving the gargantuan efforts of the students to aid people who are differently abled for their prosthetic limbs as well as for people deserving cataract surgeries through the crowd-funding platform, FUELADREAM. The teary-eyed testimonials of beneficiaries who appreciated the students not just for their compassion but also for their zeal to involve in community service despite the raging pandemic spoke for themselves. Live and recorded experience sharing by present and past IGCSE and IBDP students and parents highlighted the relevance of IAYP program in the real word.
Guest speaker for the event, Mr. Nitin Bothra, Co-chair of YI (Young Indians), Chennai Chapter elaborated on the quintessential need to nurture young leaders for a strong and resilient India so as to transform the country with their actions through an interactive session. The programme drew to a close with the lauding of the efforts of the students by Head of School who urged them to consistently raise the bar and set new records in their accomplishments.
The imminent need for the participation of the students in alleviating the negative impacts imposed over the society which has skyrocketed like never before owing to the growing pandemic situation is the essence of the IAYP which was also stressed on by the Head of School.
