A hundred teenagers from schools in Futura Learning Partnership are reaping the benefits of a life-changing trip to India.
The two-week leadership programme in Gujarat this summer was an amazing experience for the 16 and 17-year-olds, many of whom had never travelled without their families before.
During the visit, the students in the first Futura 100 cohort experienced a different culture, met local young people and community leaders, took part in yoga, dance and sport, tried new foods and built friendships across schools and across continents.
The aim of the ambitious initiative was for the students from Futura’s secondary schools: Bedminster Down, Chilton Trinity, Clevedon, IKB, Sir Bernard Lovell and Wellsway to develop leadership skills, broaden cultural understanding and become confident global citizens – and it succeeded.
Teachers, parents and the young people themselves say the impact of Futura 100 has already exceeded all expectations.
A student commented: “The most valuable lesson I have learnt on the leadership programme is to be open-minded and understanding of others around you.
My confidence has grown during this experience as I have engaged and contributed to so many things, putting myself forward to speak and perform dancing to people.”
Gary Schlick, Futura’s chief executive officer said: “The impact of the programme has been profound. We are delighted to see our students return with new perspectives, greater confidence and a genuine appreciation of the opportunities and challenges that exist beyond their own communities.
“This has been a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools across our Trust come together with a shared commitment to enabling every individual to flourish. The young people were an absolute credit to their schools and their families. “
The students, supported by Futura colleagues, were based at the Sarva Vidyalaya Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) campus in Kadi.
Throughout the two weeks, the group experienced a range of activities, including visits to schools, temples and places of worship, as well as an unforgettable day spent in a local village that formed part of Futura’s “Flourishing Futura” Day of Kindness. As part of this day, students took part in a range of community-based projects, including tree planting, with more than 100 trees planted during the day, and mural painting.
Students experienced both modern and traditional India. The group visited innovation centres, an AI hub Science City and the Indian Space Research Organisation. There were also opportunities to work directly with young people from several Indian schools. Some students tested their leadership skills by delivering speeches in assemblies, some of which included dignitaries such as the British Ambassador for Gujarat.
The trip was organised by Futura in partnership with Orange Moon Training and funded by Turing Scheme funding.
