In simple terms, defense is a countermeasure. If some damage or threat is perceived, natural response to protect oneself is triggered. The keyword here is ‘natural’. It implies everyone is born with the natural instinct to protect oneself from harm. Even harmless looking plants have self defense mechanisms, which range from visible defenses like thorns to invisible ones like release of chemical compounds.
So, when faced with threat, natural response to protect oneself automatically takes precedence. But, is the involuntary engagement triggered by instinctive reaction enough to save us? The outcome does depend on one thing – practicing Self-Defense. Generally speaking, Self-Defense is thought of as a skill to enable oneself to stand against any harm to oneself. This is because of the benefits it has in terms of increasing physical strength. But, Self-Defense is not only about being able to protect oneself; it is also about being capable to protect oneself. This is especially true in case of women or children, who might be considered as being less able to protect themselves, based on comparative measures of physical strength. Self-Defense deserves due attention as it has the power to improve capabilities and compensate for any lack in abilities, hence changing lives forever.
Just like reading a book on cars cannot make one a car driver, it requires practice, similarly Self-Defense needs to be practiced. Again, driving on an empty road might be impressive but it is not as challenging as driving in real traffic. Self-Defense, just like any other learning activity has its phases, too. As one goes deeper into the phases, it is easy to understand and feel the invisible benefits of Self-Defense. The observable visible benefits include increase in physical strength just like the visible plant defense mechanism, thorns. In addition, Self-Defense makes psychological changes to human behaviour too, which transcend the benefits to the internal mechanisms like release of chemical compounds on facing a threat situation. It helps to co-ordinate mind and body. ‘Battles have to be won in the mind first, and then with the body’, and Self-Defense helps to train both the mind and the body.
Practising Self-Defense broadens self-perception on one’s own physical capabilities, it increases confidence and self-esteem. These benefits are visible in the body posture and response reactions. It also has positive effects on the behaviour. It narrows the mental confusion and fear driven responses, helps to make quick judgements in threat situations and hence transforms a natural instinct into a more responsible means of protection for self and others.
Mission 1000 has been working to uplift the self-esteem and confidence among the girls and woman who are trained through our customized curriculum of self-defense. This is project shown good results, increasing the confidence and self-esteem of the participants. The results are encouraging and the girls have shown commendable behavior changes post workshop. i.e one of the girl who had been training with us, trained her mother and younger sister in self-defense. Few of the girls are now confident to travel along in government bus to attend school and go out for other work as well. These might sound small changes, however at large in the longer run; this is going to bring upon a great change in the psychological build up of the young girls.
Recently in conversation with Tata Tea Jaago Re, I got the opportunity to share my views about Mission 1000 and how we can collectively build up a safer society for women and girls. Request you to go through this link. : https://bit.ly/2KoGnOE
In conversation with Tata Tea Jaago Re, Anand Koti, a professional martial arts expert, explores the need to Pre-Act towards building a safer society for women.
In India, girls are forced to battle for their fundamental right to live, from the day they are born. Because of social stigma, women in India are often considered inferior and suffer torment and persecution for no reason other than their gender. From a young age, most local women are taught about the dangers they will inevitably face during their lives. Unfortunately, being aware is no longer enough.
While it is by no means an altogether solution for the terrible issue of violence against women, providing Indian women with self-defense training is a great step forward in order to protect their basic freedoms and permit the ability to walk through the streets unaccompanied without fear.
Colorss Foundation, a NGO based in Baroda, Pune and Ajmer is launching women’s self-defense classes to empower the women of India and provide the skills to remain calm and fight back against attackers, if this is ever required. If there is one thing that the December 16 attack has achieved, it is in spreading the reality that no one is safe from these types of assaults. Every woman in India, through no fault of her own, is a potential victim.
Self-defense workshop for Vodafone staff and their family members; Baroda
Colorss’ self-defense classes are for working women, university students and children, with no prior experience necessary. The classes are designed to take part 2-3 times a week, with groups of 10-15 participants in Pune. The classes may take place at your personal residence with a group of 10-15 participants, for the convenience of participants.
Anand Koti, the foundation’s director, will be conducting the classes. Anand has been practicing martial arts for over 15 years and has a 2nd degree black belt in Karate, which demonstrates his commitment and discipline. In addition, Anand also possesses an undergraduate degree in Industrial Psychology and Masters degrees in Health Management and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.
This unique combination of education and passion for martial arts has provided Anand with the perfect blend of skills to successfully pass his knowledge on to students. Under Anand’s supervision, many children from the Pune region have already benefited from Project Enhance, another initiative of the Colorss Foundation. Project Enhance involved providing underprivileged children of the region with martial arts and creative arts classes. The results of Project Enhance have been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to building the physical strength and stamina of the participants, Project Enhance also boosted their self-esteem and confidence.
While the most obvious benefit of these self-defense classes is the ability to defend yourself against an attacker, there are also numerous peripheral benefits, such as increased confidence and mental development. At Colorss, we strive to give women the physical and mental strength to surpass any challenges.
Colorss' have conducted self-defense workshops for different corporate:
Self-defense workshop at L&T Knowledge City, Baroda
Self-defense workshop at Nielsen, Baroda
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 24,206 cases of rape registered in India during 2011, but this is suspected to be a major under-representation of the true figure and of the problem at hand.
The worst reaction from this case would be for women to remain indoors, further restrict their activities and escalate the oppression they already face on a daily basis. This should be used as an opportunity to empower the women of India – for them to stand up and assert themselves.
It is in the hands of the government to make a legitimate stance on the issue of violence towards women and make widespread changes throughout the country; however, basic self-defense is a great step forward for the women on India.
It is our goal to empower the women of India to have the confidence to live completely fulfilling lives.
Colorss
has always been focused and has constantly been utilizing the opportunities
that have come its way, to stand by its vision of empowering and developing the
under-privileged children of the society. This time it was collaboration with Nielsen, the global leader in
measurement and information that took the attempts of turning its vision to
reality, to the next level altogether. In what was termed as a mega event by
its founder, the partnership with Nielsen Office at Baroda helped Colorss truly
realize key objectives of its project – Colors of Life.
The association with Nielsen, Vadodara
happened when Colorss proposed and organized a Self-Defense workshop for the
former’s female employees on the 26th of April 2013. Anand, the
founding director of Colorss, took keen interest in putting across several
powerful and useful techniques of self-defense to the women employees. Some
pictures from the events can be seen here.
The employees were more than excited and appreciative of the session. They also
went on to quote this experience as being wonderful and helpful in making them
more confident at times of need. See what Jimsy Kuriakose
from Nielsen had to say about the workshop.
Founder Chairman Mr. Koti teaching self-defense technique at Nielsen Baroda
In the second half of the day, the
Nielsen’s turned hosts to little guests from slums in Sanjay Nagar, Vadodara.
These 30-35 children aged between 5 and 15 years are part of the educational
program of Colorss. Thanks to the Nielsen employees who took great interest in
giving a unique and memorable experience to the kids. From giving them a guest
pass, walking them through the security and the buildings to making them feel
at home and building rapport with the children, the enthusiasm and concern
shown by the employees were definite indicators of how socially responsible
corporates are. This first of its kind interaction created a sort of vision; an
illustration of a big picture, in the kids, something they will always
remember.
As an extension to the event conducted
on the 26th April, the 10th of May yet again turned out
to be a great opportunity for these kids to showcase their talent and skills.
The employees of Nielsen once again invited the kids to their premises and this
time to add to the excitement the parents had to accompany their children.
While the hosts left no stone unturned to keep the spirits high and boost the
momentum, the kids too didn’t miss the chance to come up with dance
performances, mime shows and small acts that showed their sheer ability and
interest to learn new things and develop themselves on par with anyone else.
This fun filled event
was definitely a mega-event in all aspects and did everything to prop-up the
benefits stated by the educational program in its true sense.
Children performing Mime act at Nielsen Baroda
Colorss whole heartedly thanks
Nielsen, Vadodara and its employees for lending great support and for
contributing towards its mission. Colorss appeals to all other corporates and
private bodies to join hands with it to work towards the betterment and
upliftment of the society.
If
you would like to benefit from our Self-Defense Workshop, please send an email
to contact@colorss.org
If
you would like to support Colorss in some manner, then please do register
as a volunteer with us. You can also contribute to Colorss by making a donation
here.
The brutal gang rape and murder of a young girl in Delhi has brought worldwide attention to an issue that has plagued India for years - the oppression and gross mistreatment of women in the country.
In India, girls are forced to battle for their fundamental right to live, from the day they are born. Because of social stigma, women in India are often considered inferior and suffer torment and persecution for no reason other than their gender. From a young age, most local women are taught about the dangers they will inevitably face during their lives. Unfortunately, being aware is no longer enough.
While it is by no means an altogether solution for the terrible issue of violence against women, providing Indian women with self-defense training is a great step forward in order to protect their basic freedoms and permit the ability to walk through the streets unaccompanied without fear.
Colorss Foundation, a NGO based in Baroda and Pune, is launching women’s self-defense classes to empower the women of India and provide the skills to remain calm and fight back against attackers, if this is ever required. If there is one thing that the December 16 attack has achieved, it is in spreading the reality that no one is safe from these types of assaults. Every woman in India, through no fault of her own, is a potential victim.
Colorss’ self-defense classes are for working women, university students and children, with no prior experience necessary. The classes are designed to take part 2-3 times a week, with groups of 10-15 participants. The classes may take place at your personal residence with a group of 10-15 participants, for the convenience of participants.
Anand Koti, the foundation’s director, will be conducting the classes. Anand has been practicing martial arts for over 15 years and has a 2nd degree black belt in Karate, which demonstrates his commitment and discipline. In addition, Anand also possesses an undergraduate degree in Industrial Psychology, Masters degrees in Health Management and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.
This unique combination of education and passion for martial arts has provided Anand with the perfect blend of skills to successfully pass his knowledge on to students. Under Anand’s supervision, many girl children from the Pune region have already benefited from Project Enhance, another initiative of the Colorss Foundation. Project Enhance involved providing underprivileged girl children of the region with martial arts and creative arts classes. The results of Project Enhance have been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to building the physical strength and stamina of the participants, Project Enhance also boosted their self-esteem and confidence.
While the most obvious benefit of these self-defense classes is the ability to defend yourself against an attacker, there are also numerous peripheral benefits, such as increased confidence and mental development. At Colorss, we strive to give women the physical and mental strength to surpass any challenges.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 24,206 cases of rape registered in India during 2011, but this is suspected to be a major under-representation of the true figure and of the problem at hand.
The worst reaction from this case would be for women to remain indoors, further restrict their activities and escalate the oppression they already face on a daily basis. This should be used as an opportunity to empower the women of India – for them to stand up and assert themselves.
It is in the hands of the government to make a legitimate stance on the issue of violence towards women and make widespread changes throughout the country; however, basic self-defense is a great step forward for the women on India.
It is our goal to empower the women of India to have the confidence to live completely fulfilling lives.
Certain things can be put to complete use only when they are given to the right people at the right time. From a social perspective, realizing the need of the hour, researching the dire requirements and identifying the target group is of utmost importance to get anything up and running. And the outcome is bound to be beneficial and definitely advantageous given the pre-work that has gone into it.
Listen the student talking about the project and her experience - that would make more sense:
Colorss hit the gong at just the right place and the right time through its innovative developmental initiative –
Project Enhance:- Project Enhance is basically a multidisciplinary programme that aims at encouraging creativity, promoting healthy development, increasing productivity and creating a sense of responsibility towards the community and its members.
Project Objectives:
Project Enhance, designed for young children is a multifaceted approach aimed at
Developing discipline by way of imparting Martial Arts training
Increasing focus by helping them cope with stress and tension
Improving their physique by way of sports activities, thus contributing to their healthy development.
Increasing productivity by helping them get better control of body and mind
Fostering confidence by getting them involved in creative artwork
Contributing greatly to increased self-awareness
Training them to be responsible social members of the society.
Project Benefits:
Project Enhance has multiple benefits as listed below.
Psychological Benefits: Control aggression and anger; Stimulate Brain Activity; Increase happiness; Build self confidence; Develop trust, co-operation and togetherness
Physiological Benefits: Increase Stamina; Fortify Muscles; Regulate breathing; Widen range of flexibility; Improve body posture and control.
We have now successfully completed our 7-day online course for self defense! This project came to life as a result of recent discussions and demonstrations concerning womens’ and girls’ safety on the streets of India. At Colorss Foundation we strongly urge women to be aware of their safety and different ways of protecting themselves. Knowledge is a great weapon!
Find out more techniques on your FB page. This is the 7th self-defense technique for safety
During a period of 7 days, we posted one step of self protection every day, with step-by-step pictures to demonstrate the process. The response from our followers was excellent, with many people commenting, engaging, and sharing their points of view on the matter. We believe that It is only when awareness is created, when people engage in discussions, and word is spread, that we can start a joint movement to increase the safety for women and girls in India.
The
brutal gang rape and murder of a young girl in Delhi has brought worldwide
attention to an issue that has plagued India for years - the oppression and
gross mistreatment of women in the country.
In
India, girls are forced to battle for their fundamental right to live, from the
day they are born. Because of social stigma, women in India are often
considered inferior and suffer torment and persecution for no reason other than
their gender. From a young age, most local women are taught about the dangers
they will inevitably face during their lives. Unfortunately, being aware is no
longer enough.
Anand Koti teaching self-defense
While
it is by no means an altogether solution for the terrible issue of violence
against women, providing Indian women with self-defense training is a great
step forward in order to protect their basic freedoms and permit the ability to
walk through the streets unaccompanied without fear.
Colorss
Foundation, a NGO based in Baroda and Pune, is launching women’s self-defense
classes to empower the women of India and provide the skills to remain calm and
fight back against attackers, if this is ever required. If there is one thing
that the December 16 attack has achieved, it is in spreading the reality that
no one is safe from these types of assaults. Every woman in India, through no
fault of her own, is a potential victim.
Colorss’
self-defense classes are for working women, university students and children,
with no prior experience necessary. The classes are designed to take part 2-3
times a week, with groups of 10-15 participants in Pune. The classes may take
place at your personal residence with a group of 10-15 participants, for the
convenience of participants.
Anand
Koti, the foundation’s director, will be conducting the classes. Anand has been
practicing martial arts for over 15 years and has a 2nd degree black
belt in Karate, which demonstrates his commitment and discipline. In addition,
Anand also possesses an undergraduate degree in Industrial Psychology and
Masters degrees in Health Management and Industrial Relations and Personnel
Management.
This
unique combination of education and passion for martial arts has provided Anand
with the perfect blend of skills to successfully pass his knowledge on to
students. Under Anand’s supervision, many children from the Pune region have
already benefited from Project Enhance, another initiative of the Colorss
Foundation. Project Enhance involved providing underprivileged children of the
region with martial arts and creative arts classes. The results of Project
Enhance have been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to building the physical
strength and stamina of the participants, Project Enhance also boosted their
self-esteem and confidence.
While
the most obvious benefit of these self-defense classes is the ability to defend
yourself against an attacker, there are also numerous peripheral benefits, such
as increased confidence and mental development. At Colorss, we strive to give
women the physical and mental strength to surpass any challenges.
According
to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 24,206 cases of rape
registered in India during 2011, but this is suspected to be a major
under-representation of the true figure and of the problem at hand.
The
worst reaction from this case would be for women to remain indoors, further
restrict their activities and escalate the oppression they already face on a
daily basis. This should be used as an opportunity to empower the women of
India – for them to stand up and assert themselves.
It
is in the hands of the government to make a legitimate stance on the issue of
violence towards women and make widespread changes throughout the country;
however, basic self-defense is a great step forward for the women on India.
It
is our goal to empower the women of India to have the confidence to live
completely fulfilling lives.
Colorss
Foundation aims for Project Enhance! We believe that Karate is not just
about self-defence and a healthy lifestyle; it is about the ability to stay
calm and think clearly during difficult situations. It focuses on brain
stimulation and healing too.
Anand Koti teaching self-defence [advance techniques] to the girls in Project Enhance
The Project is
aimed at empowering underprivileged girls. It works to build their physical and
mental health which in turn play a role in building their confidence as
valuable assets to their society and also help them imbibe values like
discipline and responsibility. In a country like India, where a girl child has
to fight for her right to live from the very day of her conception, it is all
the more essential that we arm these girls with the necessary skills and the
confidence to fight her way through life.
Project Enhance
is not just limited to training the participants in karate (which is only one
aspect of it) but also works on training the girls in creative arts. To know
more about Project Enhance, refer to the following pages:
Reducing the number of school drop outs,
brightening children’s lives with martial and creative arts, and teaching
skills to poor women: some actions have a great potential of change. This is
what Colorss Foundation believes in. This is what we do: use knowledge to
transmit knowledge. Colorss Foundation
has been operational since
Sep 2008 having its presence in Baroda, Gujarat and
Pune, Maharashtra.
By developing programs to improve disadvantaged
groups’ lives, Colorss Foundation is doing its part.
1.Project Enhance – 110 girls [Pune]
Underprivileged
children face stress in many aspects of their lives: family, academics, health,
and more. The situation is often worse in female children; because of social
stigma, girls tend to be seen as inferior or even neglected, which leaves them
with a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem. The truth is, however, that
they deserve much more than this.
How can we brighten
these children’s lives? How can we empower these girls and foster their
confidence? Thinking about this, Colorss Foundation has developed a program
called Enhance. This project uses the benefits that Karate and Creative arts
bring to reach a better life for these kids.
2.Project ‘Colors of Life’ – 100 students [boys
and girls – Pune, Baroda]
Observing government
schools in India, we can face a bad reality: 50% of students drop out of school
before the 8th standard. This is very worrying when we think about the
importance of education, a key for the development of individuals and of the
society. And this is the point when creating a program like Colors of Life. How
this can be done? The students are given topics for creative writing –they are
either encouraged to write in Marathi, Gujarati or Hindi. These topics are
thereafter translated into English and published as an E-zine.
The program works with
brain stimulation games, workshops on life-skills and different issues, drawing,
music and dance, creative arts, and PBL (project based learning) too.
3.Project 'UrjAa' – igniting the fire within – 15 women in
vocational training [Baroda]
Helping on the
development of children is very important. However, we do not work just with
children: Project UrjAa that attends to disadvantaged women is important as
well. It intends to break the vicious cycle of poverty, in which these women do not have access to training
and resources and, consequently, have little or no education. Then, they stay
in poverty, and the same thing keeps happening.
Only education can solve this
problem. The children of their families are provided with needful education.
Different workshops are conducted for these women and their families. Building
up these women current skills and introducing new skills, we can empower them
and impact positively their families. This is the basis of Project UrjAa:
professionals, peers, community, awareness programs, and mentorships teach
vocational skills to a group of women from the slums of Sanjay Nagar, New Sama
Road, Baroda.
4.Risachi - It is the research wing of Colorss
Foundation, recently formed in early July 2012. Despite its recent inception,
Risachi has successfully completed one major survey study involving 62 subjects
and has three other major projects in different phases. The outcome of the
research will involve designing novel strategies to improve the health of the
underprivileged population.
5.Aircel a+ a CSR initiative in partnership with
Colorss Foundation – 480 students [Pune,
Maharashtra State]
480 students are in a+
Center in Pune. This is an Aircel CSR initiative to help bridge the digital
divide in India. The initiative will help empower underprivileged children and
adolescents with computer literacy and vocational training and provide them
with employability skills.
One can never emphasise on the importance of education much. If the present and future of any society is to be bettered it is only through education. Unfortunately in our developing society, many underprivileged children are denied the right to education. In fact, not just denied but do you know that 50% of children discontinue education after 8th grade? These is our target population. We at Colorss have taken up the responsibility of making sure that underprivileged children enrolled in schools do not drop out and continue their education. We are currently carrying the project out in 3 schools: Mahadji Shinde High School, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial School, and Navprerna- day care-club of Navrachna School.
The project offers a mix of creative arts, psychology and technology to help these children. We conduct hourly sessions twice a week in which exercises are carried out asking students to draw and write on a topic that inspires them or fuels their imagination. These are compiled together in the form of an e-zine. The students are also trained in computer usage and hence by such activities we seek to improve their communication, writing, analysis and interpersonal skills. Through these activites a portal for extra-curriculars is provided to the students which ensures that they have more interest in their schooling and that they continue their education.
As always, volunteers and donations are more than welcomed. We need your help in turning our small steps into big steps. If you think you are well-equipped to conduct workshops on creative writing, personality development and communication skills, feel free to contact us. You can also help us by donating drawing, writing and other relevant materials or monetary aid. Any sort of contribution is valued and appreciated. Our volunteers and donors are our biggest asset and the life blood of this organization.
If you pay attention, you will see that you are just
beginning your life. You can study, you can work – you can do everything you
want to build your future. Doesn’t this moment look like the perfect one to
start making a difference in the world?
Reducing the number of school drop outs, brightening
children’s lives with martial and creative arts, and teaching skills to poor
women: some actions have a great potential of change. This is what Colorss
Foundation believes in. This is what we do: use knowledge to transmit
knowledge. And, this way, find better possibilities to people’s lives.
By developing programs to improve disadvantaged
groups’ lives, Colorss Foundation is doing its part. If you want to, you can do
yours. By volunteering, you can begin your journey in a great manner. And you
do not just help: volunteering is a mutual relationship. You, for sure, are
going to get a better person and learn new things.
Anand
Koti, founder of Colorss with more than 15 years of martial arts training, a
second-degree black belt, and a passion for using his talent to help others
reach their potential has come up with this project.
Project Enhance uses a combination
of sports (Martial Arts) and creative arts as vehicles to promote both the
physical and mental well-being of underprivileged children in India. Good
mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder; it is a state of
well-being where an individual feels confident and ready to cope with the
stresses that life sometimes presents.
In India, young girls are viewed as
inconsequential, often ignored, or even harassed and molested. Project Enhance
aims to empower young girls and boost their self-confidence through a blend of karate
and creative arts in hopes that they can one day become educated, productive,
and active members in their communities and society.
Objectives:
-Empower young
girls
-Promote mental and physical health
-Foster a sense
trust, cooperation, confidence, and community
-Encourage values
of discipline and responsibility
Students undergoing self-defense techniques under project enhance.. Demonstrating the techniques with our volunteer/inter Neha Shaw (Symbiosis Law School, Pune)
How Can Martial Arts Help?
The art of karate involves
integrating the mind and body to condition the physique and enhance
self-awareness. When the muscles and brain act in perfect unison, a sense of
discipline, mindfulness, and serenity are set in play. Thus, learning to
control each movement in a fluid and adaptable fashion produces benefits that
outlast practice sessions. Research has shown that karate is associated with
positive changes in mood, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression.
Sensi Pervez Mistry, the father of modern martial arts
in India, noted: “Karate is generally perceived as a destructive sport. This is
a misconception. In fact, the reverse is true. With karate, we can work towards
improving health. A willingness and desire to be a better person is developed
and self-confidence is built while ego is dampened.”
In
fact, martial arts promote both mental and physical health and enforce values
such as respect for others, faithfulness, and tranquility, and sincerity. When
these qualities act in unison, they can induce relaxation and increase
self-confidence. Additionally, many studies have championed the cognitive and
behavioral benefits of martial arts. Improvements in self-esteem (Fuller,
1988), positive receptiveness of physical challenges (Richard and Rehberg,
1986; Trulson, 1986), greater autonomy (Duthie, 1978), emotional stability and
assertiveness (Konzak and Boudreau, 1984) and reductions in anxiety and
depression (Cai, 2000) have all been associated with martial arts training.
To
sum it up, Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate, once said, “The
ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of
the character of its participants.”
Sensi Mistry speaks about Anand
Sensi Pervez Mistry is considered to be the father of
martial arts in India.
He has been the Chief Instructor for the International Okinawa
Goju-RyuKarate-do Federation in India
for the past 46 years and is the founder of Karate-do in India.
“Karate is generally perceived as a destructive sport.
This is a misconception. In fact, the reverse is true. With karate, we can work
towards improving health. A willingness and desire to be a better person is
developed and self-confidence is built while ego is dampened. When Anand met me
a few years ago, he was worried whether or not we would be able to manage the
program. I was confident from day one that he would succeed. He has struggled and faced hurdles, but he
has conquered all of them, in part from the confidence he has gained from
martial arts training.
How Can Creative Arts Help?
Creativity
and art help reinforce elements of martial arts training, further helping
children develop and retain their learned skills. Though its task-based
instruction and demanded attention to detail, art cultivates a sense of
responsibility, hand-eye coordination, and controlled motor skills.
Furthermore, selecting materials and tools, focusing on creating a work of art,
and ultimately finishing a project fosters a sense of achievement as well as
enhances cognitive skills, decision making skills, and discipline. Furthermore,
to maintain and develop awareness of different methods of mind and body
control, games, meditation, and dance are incorporated into each creative arts
session.
Current Status and Project Structure:
Project Enhance currently focuses on
helping 110 girls from two schools
·Fifty five girls
from 5th, 6th, and 7th grade girls from
Mahadji Shinde High School, a municipality school under Pune Cantonment Board.
· Fifty three girls from 6th, 7th,
8th and 9th grade girls from Dr. Ambedkar Memorial
School, a municipality school under Pune Cantonment Board.
It consists of 1 hour sessions, twice a week, with 30
minutes of martial arts training and 30 minutes of creative arts. Each martial
arts session is a mixture of exercise and meditation. These sessions aim to
relax the body muscles and gradually build flexibility and stamina. Each
creative arts session includes various exercises in drawing, sketching,
dancing, music, acting, brain-stimulation games and story-telling.
Based on child progress, the program introduces longer
and higher levels of martial arts and creative arts sessions. Thus, the
contents of each session change along with the children’s progress in order to
keep challenging and encouraging each child to reach his or her full potential.
Finally, a counseling component is integrated into the
program. Professionals work with the children not only to provide a support
system, but also to motivate them to succeed, improve communication skills,
discuss future careers, and teach them about socially acceptable behavior.
Quote from participant:
I feel very peaceful after joining the karate project.
Our teacher is a very cool person and karate benefits us and gives us physical
exercise. Karate also helps us develop a better memory and gives physical
flexibility to our bodies. There are so many benefits of karate.
How can you contribute?
Volunteer:
Volunteers are our greatest asset. You can contribute
by volunteering to conduct workshops in various media of creative and performing
arts, such as drawing, counseling, painting, dance, personality development, brain-stimulation
games and creative writing. Any other forms of creative art are welcomed as
well!
