Project Citizen, an international programme, was started to motivate the younger generation to learn about and exercise their rights and it also helped them to evolve into socially responsible citizens and human beings with social awareness.

The students are trained to express their opinions on the current social and civic problems. They are guided with regard to the agencies that exist that may help to alleviate or solve some of these problems. The students are made to realize that they can could also influence policy decisions.

The Project Citizen programmes by the students in the past have involved

• Identifying the problem to be addressed
• Gathering information
• Examining solutions to the problem
• Creating an action plan which they themselves could adopt.

The results of these were displayed in a portfolio and showcased.

Our school showcased two such projects. The students of Std. X – 2006 took up the problem of “Drinking Water” at Manjunatha Slum near our school. They visited the slum and discussed the problems with the residents there. The major problem with them seemed to be that of drinking water supply. The students also met the local corporator and questioned him about the steps taken to address the problem. Various solutions were considered and it was decided that they would built water slumps where water could be stored.

The second project was by the students of Std. IX and Std. VIII. They zeroed in on the problem of “stray animals” as dog bite incidents were on the rise in Bangalore. The project included visits to local animal shelters including CUPA and interviewing the officials there. The realization that some of the stray animals in the area belonged to the local residents, led to the students setting up to meeting with the local people. They also met the officials responsible for catching stray animals in the Bangalore Corporation. Posters were made and handouts printed and distributed to effectively carry out the awareness programme.

The programme not only brought about an awareness among the students but also taught them to tackle problems, the ‘art’ of listening, how to respect each others’ opinion and above all how to work in tandem with each other. The students were, however, unanimous in their decision – that it was “Fun!”.