Amreen Ahmed - A Young Facilitator

Amreen Ahmed

Amreen came to know about Pravah by a friend in her college and she feels grateful to that day when she started a discussion which ultimately led her to Pravah. A concerned and an active citizen in college she has been working at an individual level on the same issue as Mahatma Gandhi, which was ‘Cleanliness’.

After attending a five day theatre workshop in the initial days at Pravah Jaipur Initiative she decided to take things in the development sector seriously. In the workshop she got the chance to interact with like-minded people and came to know that there are so many that think like her and are actually working towards what they realize was important in their lives. She went to Sambalpur, Orissa trip and was amazed by the electrifying atmosphere there. It was the great learning experience says she while discussing the trip.

Being a psychology student she sees that it is actually like working on self development as she can practice her learnings in the field, outside the boring classrooms. She says, “I find that peace and satisfaction while working at PJI as it is such a fun filled place. I can connect to people at the same level, and have really discovered my own little space here which apparently everybody respects. I have become more confident and outward going than before. I can speak in public without fear and really enjoy the discussions over the various issues.”

Recollecting her finest experience in the last one and a half year, she says that planning and coordinating Youth Jumbish (the annual event at PJI) was the best of all. “That bonding and exciting team work we did for two continuous months was mind boggling. We were up days and nights preparing events, connecting with other students, learning from some and trying to teach others; it was all a superb experience and I am really looking forward to Youth Jumbish this year.” Amreen admits that this team work had many positive side effects on her; the most effective of all was working as a team. She learnt the various ground rules which make one as an effective team member and a better listener. She attributes to the ‘no boss’ culture at the Pravah Jaipur Initiative.

As a youth facilitator Amreen is the in-charge of Muskaan Action Project which involves the various activities which PJI does in collaboration with another organization called Muskan working on road safety.

Eve-teasing

Mood on the table : Eve-teasing and how to combat it??

Held in two cafe meetings. The first Café Mohalla based on eve teasing, facilitated by one of Pravah's youngest volunteers ‘Padmaja Gungun’, began with a documentary ‘Jor se Bol’. Made in an urban slum in Mumbai, the documentary followed the stories of a number the victims of eve teasing, it explained their struggles, how they felt and eventually what they did in order to stop to it. It talked about the importance of collective action, whereby a number of people in the community all came to together to raise awareness of the issue.

The documentary was followed up by an in depth group discussion. People shared with one another their views on eve teasing and brought their own understandings and values to the table. Some people shared that they had experienced eve teasing themselves and felt that they had to remain silent about it because if their parents found out they might place restrictions on them going out for example.

During second Café Mohalla(29 Aug), facilitated by Neha Singh, we looked at the Indian constitution so that we understood the legal protection we are entitled to in the face of abuse from another person. We took this as an opportunity to look at Pravah’s own sexual harassment policy so that volunteers know that there are procedures and structures in place to protect the wellbeing of all of those who come into contact with Pravah itself.

Reflection : Eve teasing is indeed a sensitive topic, but important in the fact that it affects so many people, young and old. It was useful for the group to explore what constitutes eve teasing and where the boundary lies between joking or even ‘flirting’ and where certain remarks can become aggressive and offensive. It was a rare opportunity to tackle a topic which is in danger of getting brushed under the carpet and being allowed to continue.

kafe mohalla

"Kafe Mohalla"

A Cafe with a difference ! A Cafe which opens once every fortnight.

A warm and welcoming meeting place for young people to come and develop their idea related to citizenship action.

A Place where you will meet like minded individuals, make new friends and learn about how you can make a difference.

Also, whilst you’re here why not have a bite to eat from the Pravah kitchen!” based on concept of organic and healthy food.

A place where you do not pay but "SHARE" yes share !..

here people who comes in share their ideas..resources.. be it a raw material..utensils..or small donations... u can also contibute in cooking..serving..cleaning and whatever u want...

Come join us ! on every second saturdays..from 3 pm -7 pm and discover lots more...!

Regards

PJI & Kafe Mohalla