Youth Empowerment Workshop to College Students

Background

The number of young Tibetans in India continuing their studies to specialise in Tibetan literature and Buddhism has increased over the years owing to increased options provided by the Tibetan language Colleges. Apart from those who study Tibetan language and Buddhism in the Tibetan Colleges and monasteries the majority of Tibetan youth still attain their further studies in various Indian Universities. Most of these youth come from Tibetan schools and have grown up in Tibetan settlements. But irrespective of whether they study in an Indian University or a Tibetan college in a big city, for many it is their first multi-cultural experience and they face difficulties due to various circumstances. We believe that being equipped with basic conflict resolution skills, communication and listening skills, these problems would be greatly minimised. The younger generation of Tibetans pursuing various specialised studies and skills are also increasingly involved with the Tibetan struggle for freedom from Chinese oppression to bring Basic Human Rights for those suffering inside Tibet. They are thus also engaged in non-violent activism and work towards spreading more awareness of the Tibetan issue. Therefore focussing on promoting dedication for nonviolence, democratic knowledge, dialogue, leadership and conflict resolution skills in these youth would ensure a stronger future for a nonviolent Tibetan struggle and an empowered new generation of young leaders.

Aims

To introduce the skills of Conflict Resolution and respectful communication to the college going youth, who study in the Indian Universities and Tibetan Colleges and promote non-violent management of conflicts. To provide a platform for these young college students to participate in discussions and inculcate confidence, respect for cultural and religious differences and democratic understanding. To empower the college going youth to assume leadership roles and responsibilities in their communities.

Achievements

The Youth Empowerment series of workshops for college students first began in the winter of 2004 where TCCR trainers visited major Indian Universities and brought together Tibetan students doing graduation, post graduation and professional courses. Since then we have had many opportunities to work at-length with these youth. Our youth empowerment workshops not only focus on the skills level but also take another step forward to encourage the young participants to take active roles in serving their communities by initiating issue based discussions. An important message we convey is that as an individual or as a part of a group there are a lot of things that can be achieved in community building and reaching out to different cultures thus promoting a harmonious, respectful and peaceful environment.

Some of our participants have shared that there has been instances where they have been harassed or treated differently just because they look different and have found it difficult to deal with such situations but they felt empowered after the workshop to be able to deal with such situations more confidently and calmly in the future. Many of our participants have expressed that they have been encouraged to come out of their shells and be able to voice their concerns and ideas which we believe is a step towards becoming a youth leader. We have great respect for the courage and dedication of these young students and hope that through our workshops they are able to take on their responsibilities in a more competent and effective manner.