The story of action project!

Zakir Hussain has been one of the most active team in the partnership. Ayesha (NSS president), Rifaquat, Deepika and Lokesh were nominated by PO to be part of the leadership journey initiated by Pravah in NSS units of DU. The sincerity of the team has been visible in participation of the team of the 4 NSS leaders in workshops as well as successful completion of action project which was to organize a cleanliness day in college in order to inspire students to not litter and keep public spaces clean.

The real world leadership journey of the team began when they began conceptualizing their action project- in identifying the need which they wanted to address, the results they wanted to achieve- here is when they learned the basics of planning any intervention for change which they had never done before. The team sat together and brainstormed on their action project keeping their audience in mind and finally developed consensus around a few activities that they thought could bring maximum result, i.e. inspire students most. They decided to clean the college campus themselves to inspire other students and combine it with other activities that give the message clearly/ visually and excite people. A plan was made in successive meeting where the core group roped in more people to be part of the project. Consequently on the 1st Nov 2010 cleanliness day was organized in the college which began with a poster and slogan making competition followed by street play on the theme to spread the message and mobilize people for the final activity, i.e. college cleaning.

The poster and slogan making completion was a hit with 21 students participating. The posters were displayed in canteen area where students usually hang-out and litter. The street play that succeeded was prepared by students – this was completely lead by one of the core team members who managed to hold auditions with support of theatre society of college and form a group. The group prepared an original script and managed to put up a great act that was seen by approximately 200 students. College cleaning was a big success with principle of the college and some faculty joining students- approximately 100 people took part in the drive, the NSS received much appreciation for organizing the day so well.

Reflecting back the team feels that it has been a great learning experience for them since the action project has taught them to be a team player. It has empowered them to plan and organize large scale activity involving many people. Designing and then doing a project that aims at inspiring others by first doing things oneself has strengthened the belief in ‘change self first and then you can change the world’. But all these learnings have come after surpassing challenges including taking time out from busy classes and with great difficulty, organizing and coordinating the street play group. It is the result of their action project that the canteen area looks cleaner now as students have started using bins to throw waste. The drive has managed to spread consciousness on clean campus. The leaders feel that the project has given them a different identity in college as people have started recognizing them… most importantly it has helped them realize their own capabilities in leading/ public speaking/ taking decisions and has given boost to their confidence. :)