“Study hard and get good grades and you will find a high paying job with great benefits,” – is what I heard from my parents for most part of my life. Their goal in life was to provide a college education for me, so that I would have the greatest chance for success in life.  But, at the end of my study, I didn’t fix my goal and I don’t know even who I am ? What I am doing?

I am sure, this is not just my story, but of many average middle class Indian families. Do schools really prepare children for the real world? Does the mantra of “Study hard and get good grades and you will find a high paying job with great benefits” still hold good in our rapidly changing world? What are the needs and requirements of the children of today? How can we prepare them for this constantly evolving world? How can we make them globally competent?

This is my second innings as a 100^th Monkey facilitator. I so wish I went through 100^th Monkey as a school going youth. 100^th Monkey enables youth with the most required 21^st century skills aka Global Competencies by the United Nations. The best part is – it is all done through experiential learning and play based learning. As a facilitator for both 8^th and 9^th Standards, I see the children coming closer and building a sense of safety, community and belongingness amongst them. Prior to 100^th Monkey sessions, boys and girls were uncomfortable to play in the same group. This has shifted after 100^th Monkey’s sessions are conducted in their school.  In one of the team building activity sessions, both boys and girls worked together to draw their dream school and present it as a group.

The progressive sessions are also helping children discover themselves, their personality traits, likes and dislikes, and are also learning to express their feelings and emotions through art and conversations. I observe their growing confidence to stand in front of their class and present their work.  Watching them growing together and also discover themselves brings so much spirit and faith in 100^th Monkey. I feel so content with the work I am doing and it is doing wonders for me as a facilitator and also, for them.