Last year, FSL India launched a youth development programme exclusively for Indian youth called 100^th Monkey. 100^th Monkey aims to develop Self Actualisation and Active Citizenship to build youth forces who are conscious and competent citizens of our country.

The aims and objectives of 100^th Monkey are many and varied. The program aims to:

• Develop physical, intellectual, emotional and social abilities of the children and assist in Self Actualisation.
• Assist the children to experience a sense of belonging and ownership. We will facilitate fruitful relationships with peers and adults through direct experiences, volunteering and active contribution.
• Ingrain in children a deep sense of self worth through volunteering and contribution. We will assist in creating values for themselves through direct experiences and learnings.
• Instill in children a sense of accomplishment and mastery and finally, will help them identify themselves as global citizens.

The programme completed its first pilot phase in 9 schools in 5 regions, in 2018-19. Inculcating the learnings from the first pilot phase; the second pilot phase was initiated in 15 schools in the same 5 regions this year.

One of the schools that was a part of the first pilot phase was Siddhi Vinayaka School, Kundapur. There was an evident improvement in the group bonding, self confidence, creativity, self expression etc., in the students. This led to the school self propelling itself to be a part of the second pilot phase by choice and interest.

FSL India has been conducting 100th Monkey sessions for their 8^th & 9^th Standard students. So far, we have completed 10 sessions, which included energisers, team building activities, trust-building activities, food and nutrition, and bodily awareness. Play based learning and experiential learning are our primary methodologies to develop Self Actualisation and Active Citizenship.

Initially, the children were hesitant to get involved in the activities, but after 3-4 sessions, they started interacting with each other beyond their circle of friends. There is also a sense of community and belonging that is being developed with progressing sessions.

After the 10^th session, these are the changes we found in the children:

• The children have developed mutual respect for each other
• They are not fearful to participate, share their views etc.
• They are more willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone and also make mistakes
• Their confidence level has improved
• More amicability amongst boys and girls
• Improved communication and collaboration

Consequently, we are grateful for the management of Siddhi Vinayaka School. Especially, the Principal Mr. Sharan and the contact person Mr. Madhu, for their cooperation and encouragement towards 100^th Monkey. They helped us finalise the dates for 25 sessions for this academic year. The sessions were very well organised, with provision of space and time, allotment of teachers for the sessions, and also preparation of students for the sessions. This support helps us facilitate the session smoothly and efficiently.

This affirms the importance of a school’s involvement in delivering the potential of 100^th Monkey’s intervention.