‘Pathdeep’ – Skill-based training for Career Development

(An initiative by Ashadeep, VV Nagar)

Vision : Igniting young minds and accompanying them to build an equitable society

Mission : Engage students from the marginalized communities in their life skill development through skill-based training and innovative learning platforms

Aim :
Skills Development
Enablechildren to identify their aptitude and help them develop

Background :
Ashadeep Human Development Centre, V.V. Nagar is completing forty years of its dedicated and selfless service. During these years, it has empowered a generation of marginalized youth through innovative education, career guidance and counselling and life skill development programs. Social Analysis and Value Education were important aspects of all its programs. Thus Ashadeep has helped a generation of youth to find success and self-esteem in their life and as a result, it has a special place in the hearts of the people, especially in central Gujarat.

Ashadeep is at a crossroads and it must be able to redesign its programs to meet the aspirations of the changing youth. The world too has changed rapidly and the disruption in learning caused by the Covid pandemic has affected the children and the youth enormously. To find the needs of the present youth, Ashadeep organized a baseline survey in Anand and Kheda districts in which students from twenty one villages and towns participated. Some of the major findings of the survey are :

• A significant group of students are not going for tuition and they have interest and free time to learn new skills that can equip them in the ever-changing world.
• Students have access to mobiles and therefore spend their free time playing video games; some have also found the internet as a platform to further their knowledge.
• Many of the students interviewed have an interest in sports, dance and music, art and other extracurricular activities. They also seek to develop their creative thinking.
• Students prefer experiential and practical learning opportunities.
• Students have some amount of freedom to decide their careers but need someone to guide them.
• Parents who were part of the survey felt that children need motivation and concentration.

Based on the survey finding, we decided to design, develop and launch the 'Pathdeep’ program to reach out to the needs of the students today. Students from the marginalized communities studying in Std. 8th and 9th can enrol in ‘Pathdeep’ program. The duration of this course is two years. The program aims to help students to find their aptitude and development their skills to pursue the career of their choice. Pathdeep program has been designed to accommodate more students to participate and benefit from the workshops offered on varied topics.

More information related to the program is given below :

Admission : 8^th standard and 9^th standard only

Process : By personal interview.

Stakeholder :
Children from Anand, Khedaand other neighbouring districts
Students studying in hostels run by Jesuits / collaborators

Duration :
Summer Camp (10 Days)
Diwali Vacation Camp (5 Days)
TenMonthly workshops (Limited seats available for others too) (Total days 20)

Summer Camp :

• English Language
• General Knowledge
• Study / Memory techniques
• Career Guidance
• Sports and games
• Arts / Environment
• Reading
• Cultural Programs
• Drama
• Puzzles / Educational Games
• Creative Activities
• Value Education

Monthly workshops :

• Public Speaking
• Creative Writing
• Goal Setting and Motivation
• Environment Awareness
• Robotics / Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Arts / Creativity
• Personality Development
• Introduction to Media
• Career Guidance / Counseling / Aptitude Test
• Social Awareness

Diwali Vacation Camp :
1^st Year camp (Orientation for Competitive Exams)
2^nd Year Study Tour

Annual fees :

• For those who attend offline camps and workshops : Rs. 5000 / - per student (Study tour excluded)
• For those who prefer to attend the program through online: Rs. 500 / -

Valedictory Function : Those who complete two years ‘Pathdeep’ course with 70% attendance in the monthly workshops will be eligible to receive ‘Pathdeep’ certificate. Those who register and participate in the monthly workshops will also get a certificate of participation.