Ever since its inception in 1995, MSF has sought to work with young generation in a big way, albeit, within its limited resources. The two programmes focused on youth that are going on for the last 10 years are -1. Samvaad and 2. Nagar Darshan.

Samvaad

Samvaad means dialogue. This is what MSF has been literally doing for the last 10 years. This programme brings school children face to face with eminent writers, poets and cultural activists of the state. A guest speaker gives a presentation on poetry, language, fine arts etc, recites his/her own poems or short stories and then engages the students in an animated question-answer session. S/He also encourages the children to recite poems and send their writings to MSF which might later be published in local newspapers. Thus, Samvaad programme encourages children to look beyond school routine and expand their horizon in a non conventional way. A typical programme may have 150/200 students and 20 teachers. So far some 100 programmes have been organised bringing in its fold approx 15000/20000 school children. For the last 3 years, MSF is organising this programme in association with Chhattisgarh Pradesh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, the oldest literally organisation in the State.

Nagar Darshan

This programme started as a guided site seeing-cum-educational tour for school children (age group 11 to 15 years). In this, children are taken on a 5 hour heritage tour of Raipur city accompanied by a guide and two teachers. In the year 2001, second route was added to the programme, that of a visit to 13th century archeological monument - a Shiv temple at village Dev Baloda 20 Kms. from Raipur.

Every year 10 to 15 tours each with 40/50 students are organised. So far about 75 trips have been organised benefitting some 5000 students. MSF does not charge any fees for this. A school is allowed maximum of two tours in a year.

MSF has taken due care in arranging special trips for street children, physically challenged students and other marginalised sections.

On return from the trip, children are encouraged to write their impressions about the visit. We also write to the schools and to individuals parents to organise more trips at their own. This programme helps school children, teachers and parents in relating with India's diverse culture heritage. 

Of late, MSF has collaborated with Indian National Trust for Art And Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Chhattisgarh chapter in continuing this programme.

TRAINING AND DIALOGUE on Grass root Democracy

It is rightly said that today's children are tomorrow's citizen. The instruments of grassroot democracy i.e. Panchayati Raj Institutes in due course will be passed on to the next generation. It is therefore imperative to approach these young people and introduce them to the basics of democratic system, sensitise them about the core values, help them in identifying issues, problems and solutions and prepare them to become active partners in strengthening democratic process in the future.

Keeping this in view, MSF has designed a training programme for village students in 15-18 age group.

Vidyarthi Panchayat

In the year August-2004 - July 2005, MSF organised 6 one day workshops in partnership with National Foundation for India (NFI). Each Panchayat was divided into 3 segments.

1) Short presentations on democracy, Constitution, Panchayati Raj and the role of the youth.

2) Group Discussions called "Vidyarthi Panchayats" each consisting of 20 students to discuss various aspects of Panchayati Raj System & identification of village level issues and solutions.

3) Convening of the "Vidyarthi Gram Sabha" where group discussion leaders or Vidyarthi Sarpanchs occupy the centre stage, present their respective reports and answer queries from the audience that includes students, teachers and village people.

Outcome

The students have shown great interest in the proceedings. We have found that they are alive to the issues and their talents can be channelised towards deepening democratic process in rural India.