Self Discovery Process

The Self discovery Process is part of the Yuvati Samuh enrichment program for Adoloscent teen girls.  This part of the program is planned as follows

• 4 Teams will be in 4 different locations each day. 

• Each of the 4 days each group will meet a different Yuvati group.  

• As a whole the group will meet 16 different Yuvati groups so continuity is NOT needed in the topic(s) chosen to be presented. 

• Usually mornings are dedicated to visiting Anganwadi (very small kids). The youth get to socialize with the little ones. Usually this is a free flowing activity with no presentation here. Possibility for kids to show their entertaining side for small kids. 

• 1/2 Hr icebreaker for each session. 

• Dedicated 1-1/5 hr time for Activity/Game/Presentation. T

• The same session can be repeated for all 4 days or the teams can plan different activities.

• Theme for the session can be picked from ideas like leadership/organizing from the manual or can be others useful/relevant for the age group like "Self Empowerment".

• Activity must be interactive/fun/more pictorial less words.

• Sharing personal story is good. Oppurtuinity for local teens to Ask questions.

• Age group of Yuvati vary from 9-15 but may also include 16-18 also. All of them usually are going to school. Most study upto 10th grade. Some will go to college. So giving them career advice is seen as important from CORD perspective

• If all teams choose the same presentation then the youth can be grouped differently each day

Introduction to the Career Planning 

Young people have lots of opportunities and face many different challenges. They must have knowledge, direction, and skills to find a career or start a business in the rural area. If young people do not have help and guidance, they are at high risk of leaving for the city once they reach adulthood. Through this program, young people will come to understand that there are also many career opportunities in rural India.

This Career Program provides many activities that can help participants learn more about the process of choosing a career by exploring their personal values, interests, and skills. By understanding who they are, participants can begin to identify where they want to go in the future and begin to understand the steps needed to achieve their goals. People who choose a career that fits their personal values and interests are happier and more likely to succeed. This program also helps participants practice the skills of setting goals, making informed decisions, working together in teams, improving communication, and understanding the importance of personal presentation.

This Program Overview will provide a brief description of the curriculum, a strategy for implementation, and best practices for lesson facilitation. 

Curriculum

I.                   Who Am I?

Chapter 1: Personal Values

This chapter helps participants understand their personal values: what things or ideas are most important to them. By aligning career choices with personal values, participants will be more likely to lead professional lives that are fulfilling and successful.

Chapter 2: Workplace Values

This chapter helps participants understand what things are important to them in the workplace. By aligning workplace values and career choices, participants can avoid workplace dissatisfaction.

Chapter 3: Experiences

This chapter helps participants think about their past experiences in order to understand what makes them happy. By pursuing career choices that will make them happy, participants are more likely to lead professional lives that are fulfilling and successful.

Chapter 4: Skills

This chapter helps participants understand what things they do well. Once participants learn what skills they currently have, they can begin to identify skills they need for their career.

II.                Where Am I Going?

Chapter 5: Setting Goals

This chapter helps participants understand how to set goals. Writing goals down on paper makes them more likely to be achieved.  Goals should be reasonable and realistic. Participants will learn how to set small, measurable steps to reach their goals.

Chapter 6: Decision Making

This chapter helps participants learn the difference between making informed and uninformed decisions. Informed decisions made with a thoughtful, systematic approach will lead to better outcomes than decisions based on peer pressure, impulse, or emotion. Participants with strong decision making abilities are more likely to achieve their goals.

Chapter 7: Interests

This chapter helps participants understand their personal interests. If they find a career path that they find interesting, they are more likely to work hard and be successful.

III.             Soft Skills

Chapter 8: Teamwork

This chapter helps participants understand the importance of working with others. Teamwork is often seen as one of the most important soft skills in the workplace because all careers involve working with or doing business with others. The most successful teammates can work well with people of all backgrounds.

Chapter 9: Communication

This chapter helps participants understand the skill of communication. Communication is more than just verbal or written words, but also includes body language and tone of voice. Being able to effectively talk to others and clearly express ideas and interests increases the likelihood of future success, regardless of which career path they choose.

Chapter 10: Self-Presentation

This chapter helps participants understand the importance of presenting themselves to others.  Self-presentation includes appearance, mannerisms, and the ability work alongside others will influence first impressions and business reputation.