On 21^st June 2019, FSL-India’s 100^th Monkey program reached Mavinakatte High School, at Kundapur. Over the next 8 months, FSL-India will conduct 25 1-hour sessions every week for students of 8^th and 9^th standard. The 100^th Monkey program encourages these students to explore their potential, and creates youth who are self-aware and active citizens.

This was our first session at Mavinakatte High School. The entire school, including the headmaster and teachers welcomed our facilitators with warmth. The students were especially curious about the new people on campus, and the new, surprising activities planned for them.

The students joined together in a circle and we introduced each other to the group. We shared our names and our interests, like food and hobbies through fun name games. Most of the students were very excited to express themselves, while some of them felt shy to open up to the group, so we gave them their time to start feeling more comfortable.

From the beginning, we tried to build a comfortable atmosphere by using the local language to communicate; playing funny ice-breakers, and singing a local song together. This resulted in making each member feeling safe and respected.

We observed that everyone was participating and willing to get involved in the activities, especially to have fun and play with each other.

The 100^th Monkey team is very positive about the 2 groups. Through the first few sessions, our aim is to create strong bonding and trust among the group, to raise team spirit, to listen and share opinions and ideas with each other, in a safe and respectful manner.