Raj's Vision (now the basis of the Trust) has been written up in a stunning business plan document. Unfortunately I cannot upload this to the blog but it can be mailed to you by contacting me at thehiders@gmail.com
[1] John Amalraj, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p25
THE VISION
Here are the core elements to the vision which the trust has (in chart format)
Adventure camping: A centre providing first class out door pursuits activities with qualified instructors.
This project will br fairly groundbreaking. There are others doing adventure camping (such as scripture Union in Chennai etc) but this centre will be the first of it's type in Bangalore.
You will alos be aware of the number of street kids that India has. The night shelter will be a place for kids identified through the drop in to be able to access 24 care through the night shelter. An assessment will be made along with referral to other agencies. Referral will be also made for training and employment.
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THE NEED
In recent times India’s leading magazines have come up with statistics of the Indian population, the enormous size of the ‘Indian population is 1.2 billion out of which 54 percent of Indians are below 25 years of age’[1]. ‘Indians below 15 years of age are 336 million and 121 million are between the ages of 15 and 19. The age group of 20-34 are 271 million, adding up 728 million under 34 years of age making almost 70 present of the population’[2]. Thus making ‘India world’s youngest nation having 555 million young people’.[3]
According to the University Grants Commission of India, there are 325 Universities and 16,000 colleges[4], about 3.1 million graduates are produced in India every year and this is expected to double by 2010[5]. Although this points to a vast number of educated urban young people, alongside them are the underprivileged, dysfunctional, uneducated, semi -literate, under-employed young people living in the city side by side in slums. Unemployment has grown to 27 million people[6]. There is huge diversity amongst the young people living in cities.
‘Bangalore has the highest rate of suicide; as many as 1800 people commit suicide each year in the city, a majority of attempted suicides are between the age group of 20 to 24’[7]. A survey conducted by abortion centres across the city of Mumbai states that a minimum of 120 teenagers undergo abortions every month.
‘According to WHO ( World Health Organization) 10 percent of all abortions in India every year, are about five million a year among girls between 15 and 19.’[8] There are 5.1 million HIV positive patients and 1,11,608 people with Aids in India , it is estimated that by 2010 there will be 20-25 million HIV positive people in India[9].
India also has the largest population of street children, ‘it is estimated that in urban areas there are 11 million children on the streets. Of them 420,000 street children live in six metropolitan cities of India, in Delhi alone there are at least 100,000 street children’[10] .
The government estimates ‘that there are 400,000 child prostitutes in India. Unofficial estimates say India has as many as two million prostitutes, of which 20 percent are below 15 years of age. UINICEF claims that almost 15 percent of them enter the profession before the age of 15, and 25 percent enter between 15 and 18’[11].
The need is unprecedented in reaching the young people of this vast nation .We cannot ignore the sheer size population of Indian young people, they are the lifeline of India, we need to step outside of our stereotype mentality and build bridges in reaching out to young people
According to the University Grants Commission of India, there are 325 Universities and 16,000 colleges[4], about 3.1 million graduates are produced in India every year and this is expected to double by 2010[5]. Although this points to a vast number of educated urban young people, alongside them are the underprivileged, dysfunctional, uneducated, semi -literate, under-employed young people living in the city side by side in slums. Unemployment has grown to 27 million people[6]. There is huge diversity amongst the young people living in cities.‘Bangalore has the highest rate of suicide; as many as 1800 people commit suicide each year in the city, a majority of attempted suicides are between the age group of 20 to 24’[7]. A survey conducted by abortion centres across the city of Mumbai states that a minimum of 120 teenagers undergo abortions every month.
‘According to WHO ( World Health Organization) 10 percent of all abortions in India every year, are about five million a year among girls between 15 and 19.’[8] There are 5.1 million HIV positive patients and 1,11,608 people with Aids in India , it is estimated that by 2010 there will be 20-25 million HIV positive people in India[9].
India also has the largest population of street children, ‘it is estimated that in urban areas there are 11 million children on the streets. Of them 420,000 street children live in six metropolitan cities of India, in Delhi alone there are at least 100,000 street children’[10] .
The government estimates ‘that there are 400,000 child prostitutes in India. Unofficial estimates say India has as many as two million prostitutes, of which 20 percent are below 15 years of age. UINICEF claims that almost 15 percent of them enter the profession before the age of 15, and 25 percent enter between 15 and 18’[11].
The need is unprecedented in reaching the young people of this vast nation .We cannot ignore the sheer size population of Indian young people, they are the lifeline of India, we need to step outside of our stereotype mentality and build bridges in reaching out to young people
[1] Outlook, January 2004,p.50
[2] India Today January 2005,p.5
[3] Outlook, January 2004,p.50
[4] The Week, September 2004,p.6
[5] The Week, January, 2005.p.6
[6] Outlook February 2004
[7] Deccan Chronicle October 2005,P.8
[8] India Today, January 2005,p58-66.
[9] The Times of India, December2005.p.6
[10] Vishal Arora ,How Do We Care for the Children and Youth Indian Mission IMA, January –March 2006,p22-23
[11] Vishal Arora ,, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p22
[2] India Today January 2005,p.5
[3] Outlook, January 2004,p.50
[4] The Week, September 2004,p.6
[5] The Week, January, 2005.p.6
[6] Outlook February 2004
[7] Deccan Chronicle October 2005,P.8
[8] India Today, January 2005,p58-66.
[9] The Times of India, December2005.p.6
[10] Vishal Arora ,How Do We Care for the Children and Youth Indian Mission IMA, January –March 2006,p22-23
[11] Vishal Arora ,, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p22
WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING
The mainline churches with their traditional approach have very little scope in addressing issues which young people face. Today’s young people are shaped by postmodernism and globalisation. The church needs to wake up by getting involved and taking proactive initiatives and become more relevant to the young generation.
The church has no choice but to change its methods in engaging with young people taking the gospel where they’re at.
Along with the enormous challenge of reaching out to young people the church faces the challenge to be a witness in the pluralistic, multicultural, multi linguistic society. Young people are not just the leaders of the future but they are the church of today. How we engage with them today will result for the future.
There has been some initiative taken by many para church organisations that have focused on young people.
YMCA, YWCA and Student Christian Movement have been pioneers in addressing young people, they have had their times. Youth for Christ and Scripture Union have been ministering in Christian Schools and Colleges providing Christian education.
Union of Evangelical Students in India (UESI), Campus Crusade for Christ and Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship (ICPF) have been involved in discipleship with young people in colleges, they conduct bible study clubs in colleges.
Organisations such as Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB) Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM), Blessing Youth Mission (BYM) and Operation Mobilization (OM) have taken the approach of missions challenging young people to be involved in missions in reaching the lost. The focus has been on training young people to be Evangelists, Pastors and Missionaries taking the gospel to the different corners of India.
Although these organisations have some contribution in reaching young people, there is still great need for youth work bringing innovative ways of reaching today’s young people.
The Christian population according to the Indian census report is 2.3% around twenty four million including catholic and protestants.[1] The need for new intervention is fundamental if Christians have to take the great commission seriously.
This is the reason, I feel passionate in bringing a new approach for youth work and ministry in India. These new interventions will be addressing and supporting young people at grassroots, helping them to tackle their issues and take responsibility for their development.
In order to be effective and to accomplish the vision an organisation is needed to bring efficiency and consistency in what the Trust will be engaging in. Adventure camping, youth drop in centre and accredited training are unique concepts for the Indian scenario.
These interventions will seek to be on the cutting edge, providing the best services tailored to meet the needs of this generation of young people.
The church has no choice but to change its methods in engaging with young people taking the gospel where they’re at.
Along with the enormous challenge of reaching out to young people the church faces the challenge to be a witness in the pluralistic, multicultural, multi linguistic society. Young people are not just the leaders of the future but they are the church of today. How we engage with them today will result for the future.There has been some initiative taken by many para church organisations that have focused on young people.
YMCA, YWCA and Student Christian Movement have been pioneers in addressing young people, they have had their times. Youth for Christ and Scripture Union have been ministering in Christian Schools and Colleges providing Christian education.
Union of Evangelical Students in India (UESI), Campus Crusade for Christ and Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship (ICPF) have been involved in discipleship with young people in colleges, they conduct bible study clubs in colleges.
Organisations such as Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB) Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM), Blessing Youth Mission (BYM) and Operation Mobilization (OM) have taken the approach of missions challenging young people to be involved in missions in reaching the lost. The focus has been on training young people to be Evangelists, Pastors and Missionaries taking the gospel to the different corners of India.
Although these organisations have some contribution in reaching young people, there is still great need for youth work bringing innovative ways of reaching today’s young people.
The Christian population according to the Indian census report is 2.3% around twenty four million including catholic and protestants.[1] The need for new intervention is fundamental if Christians have to take the great commission seriously.
This is the reason, I feel passionate in bringing a new approach for youth work and ministry in India. These new interventions will be addressing and supporting young people at grassroots, helping them to tackle their issues and take responsibility for their development.
In order to be effective and to accomplish the vision an organisation is needed to bring efficiency and consistency in what the Trust will be engaging in. Adventure camping, youth drop in centre and accredited training are unique concepts for the Indian scenario.
These interventions will seek to be on the cutting edge, providing the best services tailored to meet the needs of this generation of young people.
[1] John Amalraj, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p25
THE VISION
Here are the core elements to the vision which the trust has (in chart format)
Adventure camping: A centre providing first class out door pursuits activities with qualified instructors.This project will br fairly groundbreaking. There are others doing adventure camping (such as scripture Union in Chennai etc) but this centre will be the first of it's type in Bangalore.
The Trust will initially run camps with the existing campsites for the underprivileged, dysfunctional and marginalized young people. It will also work with school pupils and urban young people in providing outdoor adventure activities. Adventure camping has been a big part of Raj’s Christian Journey. It is a fantastic means by which young people can be reached where they can come away to experience and enter into a meaningful relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through activities which are thrilling, safe and fun.
The adventure centre will provide activities that are purpose built to enhance learning in personal and social development. Services will be provided to deal with issues such as Self Esteem, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Relationship, Problem Solving, Decision making skills, Team Building and many more.
Drop in & night shelter: The drop in centre will provide a range of services in Information, Advice, Advocacy and Counselling for young people.
Information and Advice will be provided in issues such as Sexual Health, Substance Misuse, Family, Abuse, Housing, Employment and Mental Health. Counselling will be offered on an appointment basis.
The Drop In centre will also work closely with other NGO’s in networking resources. Advocacy will be an integral part in supporting young people empowering them to make informed decisions; and base their choices on knowledge rather than ignorance.
The adventure centre will provide activities that are purpose built to enhance learning in personal and social development. Services will be provided to deal with issues such as Self Esteem, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Relationship, Problem Solving, Decision making skills, Team Building and many more.
Drop in & night shelter: The drop in centre will provide a range of services in Information, Advice, Advocacy and Counselling for young people.
Information and Advice will be provided in issues such as Sexual Health, Substance Misuse, Family, Abuse, Housing, Employment and Mental Health. Counselling will be offered on an appointment basis.
The Drop In centre will also work closely with other NGO’s in networking resources. Advocacy will be an integral part in supporting young people empowering them to make informed decisions; and base their choices on knowledge rather than ignorance.
The drop in is not a familiar thing in India so this facility will be pretty ground breaking. As many of you will know, India currently has a significant number of call centres operating on behalf of the UK and elsewere. Many of the staff at these call centres work long hours in an intense environment and when they finish work they can play hard too!!! This is having significant impact on things like unplanned pregnancies etc so this drop in with be of vital significance.
You will alos be aware of the number of street kids that India has. The night shelter will be a place for kids identified through the drop in to be able to access 24 care through the night shelter. An assessment will be made along with referral to other agencies. Referral will be also made for training and employment.
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Relationships with others: Raj (founder of the Trust) has significant relationships with others in Bangalore and beyond. The trust will be at the forefront of developing relationships with other City youth worker etc in the City.
Raj is working in partnership with Churches and Agencies both nationally and internationally. Th Trust will seek to have exchange programmes, between India and the UK, thereby creating opportunities for young people to be exposed to and involved in different cultures.
Liaison will also be built with agencies where they will be involved in specialised training programs tailored towards the needs in Youth Work and in Adventure pursuits.
Setting up inner city youth events with local youth workers; projects will be set for social action working along with churches in reaching out to their communities. Worship events will be set-up for young people where they can come and be involved in worship and in social action, putting their faith into action.
Build partnership in working with young people at grassroots in rural areas. FYM will seek to have working relations in strengthening youth workers at the grassroots in the rural context by sharing resources and coming alongside them in supporting their work.
Accredited training: Raj has been in the UK for 3 years training in theology and youth work with Oasis (www.oasisuk.org) and returned to India a year ago as one of the most qualified youth worker the Country has!
Liaison will also be built with agencies where they will be involved in specialised training programs tailored towards the needs in Youth Work and in Adventure pursuits.
Setting up inner city youth events with local youth workers; projects will be set for social action working along with churches in reaching out to their communities. Worship events will be set-up for young people where they can come and be involved in worship and in social action, putting their faith into action.
Build partnership in working with young people at grassroots in rural areas. FYM will seek to have working relations in strengthening youth workers at the grassroots in the rural context by sharing resources and coming alongside them in supporting their work.
Accredited training: Raj has been in the UK for 3 years training in theology and youth work with Oasis (www.oasisuk.org) and returned to India a year ago as one of the most qualified youth worker the Country has!
The Trust will begin to facilitate accredited training in Youth Work for people who seek to be
professionally qualified in youth work. A combination of theory and best youth work practice will be offered in youth work and ministry. FYM’s future plan is to run a two –three year Diploma, Degree program in Youth Work and Ministry.
To start with Raj has been working in partnership with Bible colleges in setting up a short- term course, and will set up specialised programs for churches to enhance training for youth workers and youth pastors. Subsequently there will be regular youth work conferences held throughout the country.
The Trust will eventually seek to provide training for church leaders in rural settings where they can make an impact in reaching young people at grassroots. Training programs will be carefully tailored to meet the challenges in diversity facing the Indian youth culture.
The adventure centre will also be used as a training centre where Instructor training courses will be provided for people who want to pursue outdoor adventure activities. It will host a whole range of accredited courses in outdoor and adventure activities (see the section on adventure camps in the business plan).
This will provide a culture of professionally trained instructors who will be involved in our campsites and beyond, and will provide a base for them to use the value of using outdoor adventure activities in Christian Ministry.
professionally qualified in youth work. A combination of theory and best youth work practice will be offered in youth work and ministry. FYM’s future plan is to run a two –three year Diploma, Degree program in Youth Work and Ministry.
To start with Raj has been working in partnership with Bible colleges in setting up a short- term course, and will set up specialised programs for churches to enhance training for youth workers and youth pastors. Subsequently there will be regular youth work conferences held throughout the country.
The Trust will eventually seek to provide training for church leaders in rural settings where they can make an impact in reaching young people at grassroots. Training programs will be carefully tailored to meet the challenges in diversity facing the Indian youth culture.
The adventure centre will also be used as a training centre where Instructor training courses will be provided for people who want to pursue outdoor adventure activities. It will host a whole range of accredited courses in outdoor and adventure activities (see the section on adventure camps in the business plan).
This will provide a culture of professionally trained instructors who will be involved in our campsites and beyond, and will provide a base for them to use the value of using outdoor adventure activities in Christian Ministry.
VALUES:
The Trust is a Christian Trust and will therefore stay true to the following values:
The Trust is a Christian Trust and will therefore stay true to the following values:
We will be God centred…
FYM is a Christian organisation and as such, our focus from beginning to end is on God and on the building of His kingdom. However, FYM are committed to working with all people of all faiths. Each FYM project is established to serve all the community we will retain this ‘God centred focus’ in all we do.
We will introduce people to God…..
In everything we do we will seek to introduce people to the Christian faith and ultimately help them discover a personal faith in God. We will do this, as we believe that a personal relationship with God is the best thing a person can ever discover. Having said this we will not pressurize anyone but give the freedom and responsibility of learning back into the control of the hearers
We will ensure prayer is at the heart…
Because we are a Christian organisation, we are committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do in FYM. We cannot deliver any of our projects and ultimately build God’s Kingdom without God in every aspect of our work. We are therefore wholly committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do,
We will be people focussed…
People will always be the focus of all that we do in FYM. We will continue to establish projects and secure resources to support all that we do but core to all that we do will always be a commitment and focus on people. “People matter more than things,” we will not let anything else take the place of this motto.
We will serve the community…
Our main aim is to be of service to the community in the same way as Christ was. In
everything Christ did, he served… Whilst taking a clear leadership role in the community
where we can, this leadership will come from an attitude of a servant
We will have integrity in all we do…
We will act at all times with honesty and integrity. We will do as we say and say as we do.
We believe this will generate high standards of satisfaction and performance in all projects
and gets results – in every sense!
We will be creative and proactive…
We will seek to be innovative and creative in all projects. We will always strive to take the
lead in India’s fast growing culture, to be proactive in a desire to shape our culture and not
just respond to it.
We will be fair and embrace diversity...
We will treat everyone we work with – users of our projects, funders, supporters, and
employees fairly. We will embrace diversity and work to challenge every disadvantage we
encounter.
FYM is a Christian organisation and as such, our focus from beginning to end is on God and on the building of His kingdom. However, FYM are committed to working with all people of all faiths. Each FYM project is established to serve all the community we will retain this ‘God centred focus’ in all we do.
We will introduce people to God…..
In everything we do we will seek to introduce people to the Christian faith and ultimately help them discover a personal faith in God. We will do this, as we believe that a personal relationship with God is the best thing a person can ever discover. Having said this we will not pressurize anyone but give the freedom and responsibility of learning back into the control of the hearers
We will ensure prayer is at the heart…
Because we are a Christian organisation, we are committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do in FYM. We cannot deliver any of our projects and ultimately build God’s Kingdom without God in every aspect of our work. We are therefore wholly committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do,
We will be people focussed…
People will always be the focus of all that we do in FYM. We will continue to establish projects and secure resources to support all that we do but core to all that we do will always be a commitment and focus on people. “People matter more than things,” we will not let anything else take the place of this motto.
We will serve the community…
Our main aim is to be of service to the community in the same way as Christ was. In
everything Christ did, he served… Whilst taking a clear leadership role in the community
where we can, this leadership will come from an attitude of a servant
We will have integrity in all we do…
We will act at all times with honesty and integrity. We will do as we say and say as we do.
We believe this will generate high standards of satisfaction and performance in all projects
and gets results – in every sense!
We will be creative and proactive…
We will seek to be innovative and creative in all projects. We will always strive to take the
lead in India’s fast growing culture, to be proactive in a desire to shape our culture and not
just respond to it.
We will be fair and embrace diversity...
We will treat everyone we work with – users of our projects, funders, supporters, and
employees fairly. We will embrace diversity and work to challenge every disadvantage we
encounter.
A full version of the business plan can be mailed to you by contacting me at thehiders@gmail.com
