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India is home to more than 253 million adolescents. Caste, gender, poverty and location continue to pose barriers for many young people to realize their full potential. There is an increasingly stronger focus on developing comprehensive life skills in children and young people in India so that they are empowered and responsible citizens of society. In addition to academic, vocational, and technical skills, the focus is now on building those skills or competencies that are needed to meet the demands of the increasingly vulnerable situations of our diverse societies. Therefore, young people must be provided with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop relevant values, attitudes, and skills that will enable them to participate fully in their society and to continue learning. Developing life skills amongst them is critical to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. Research indicates a positive correlation between life skills and increased attendance levels, enhanced classroom behaviour and improved academic achievement. Given the positive correlation between life skills and learning outcomes, the role of life skills education within the school curriculum and in the community becomes very important.
MelJol’s AI-LEAP program is based on the 3E approach (Education, Employability & Entrepreneurship). This program empowers children and youth to make informed decisions and life choices leading to livelihood. It also includes capacity building on money management, banking, digital banking and important life skills. The AI-LEAP program is executed in schools and communities. Meljol encourages the youth to continue formal education while opting for employment or entrepreneurship.
Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting national development. The Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015, seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. With the quickly changing employment landscape and global ecosystem, it is becoming increasingly critical that children not only learn but, more importantly, learn how to learn. As per the NEP 2020, education must move towards less content, and more towards learning to think critically and solve problems, be creative and multidisciplinary, and innovate, adapt, and absorb new material in novel and changing fields. NEP 2020 emphasises the development of the creative potential of each individual and ‘higher-order’ cognitive capacities, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. MelJol’s AI-LEAP-Integrated Life Skills, Education, and Livelihood Program is in sync with the NEP 2020 and adopts an ecosystem approach that involves all key stakeholders, i.e., children, parents, teachers, & government, in making the schools conducive for learning and holistic development.
MelJol’s AI-LEAP Program is a long-term, 5-year program, that is child-centred, integrated interventions on life skills with a specific focus on socio-financial education and integrates career guidance, soft skill development, & communications as part of program delivery. Meljol uses experimental and active learning methods, along with Sports for Development (S4D) as a methodology for maximum and long-term impact on the stakeholders. Currently, we run this program in two states in India, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The Aflatoun Resource Centre for Youth and Children is a dynamic and inclusive and safe space designed to empower young individuals with important 21st century skills. This centre serves as a hub where children and youth from diverse backgrounds can access resources and opportunities that enable them to become informed, responsible, and active citizens.
The ARC is equipped with learning resources such as computers, a mini library, sports kits, and other teaching learning material and a full time educator who will facilitate the operations of the ARC. The beneficiaries will use this facility on a day-to-day basis.
Through a well-structured curriculum, the centre provides training on essential life skills, digital and financial literacy, and social responsibility, tailored to the needs and challenges of the youth and children it serves. These programs are delivered using innovative and engaging methodologies, including sports for development (S4D) and active learning techniques, ensuring that the learning process is both effective and enjoyable.
Beyond individual development, the Aflatoun Resource Centre plays a pivotal role in strengthening community ties. It encourages young people to become change agents within their communities, using their newfound knowledge to influence positive social change. Through ongoing mentorship and support, the centre ensures that its impact extends beyond its walls, contributing to the creation of a more equitable and empowered society.
Schools
106
ARC’s
12
Communities/Village
101
Children
24,452
Youth
2270
Teachers
500
Stakeholders
100
