Rising beyond challenges: ayan’s journey from struggle to leadership

17/04/25

Success Stories

127

“When you empower yourself, you empower the community,” as mentioned by young Ayan

Seventeen-year-old Mohamad Ayan, a student of Government Pre-University College, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka has always been a determined young boy. Born into a middle-class family where his father, Mohamad Asif, works as an auto driver while his mother, Mosina, is a homemaker. Ayan grew up witnessing financial struggles. With his father being the sole breadwinner, meeting household expenses was often difficult. To support his family, Ayan, as he grew up, took up part-time work, balancing his education with financial responsibilities.

However, his journey took a transformative turn when he joined the Dream Accelerator Project Group. This initiative, aimed at nurturing young minds through skill development and community engagement, opened doors Ayan had never imagined.

A Journey of Growth and Leadership

As he used to come to the Multi Activity Centre (MAC), Ayan was introduced to various training sessions on child rights, leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and social responsibility. The workshops ignited his confidence, shaping his personality and broadening his vision for the future. His dedication, sincerity and ability to connect with people stood out and soon, both children and parents recognized his leadership potential. In a unanimous decision, Ayan was elected as the President of the Children’s Group – to lead the Children’s Council—a role that further honed his skills and sense of responsibility. This Council is campaigning for children and young people’s rights to build their Agency.

With his newfound leadership, Ayan took charge of organizing programs, motivating his peers, and raising awareness about important social issues, particularly health and hygiene.

Driving Change Through a Micro Project

Recognizing the urgent need for health and hygiene awareness in his community, Ayan took the lead in a Micro Project focused on promoting cleanliness and preventive healthcare practices, in his community…that otherwise is a congested place.

His initiatives included:

Community Awareness Drives: He conducted sessions educating families on proper sanitation, waste disposal, and the importance of handwashing.

Health & Hygiene Campaigns: Under his leadership, children participated in street plays, poster-making activities, and group discussions to spread awareness.

Support for Peers’ Education: Understanding the struggles of his friends, Ayan also helped others with their studies, ensuring they didn’t fall behind.

His efforts not only improved hygiene practices in his community but also inspired other children to take charge and become changemakers. This momentum is still continuing through his engaging interactions with key stakeholders and corporators.

A Vision for the Future

Ayan’s transformation from a struggling student to a leader and changemaker is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives. His journey exemplifies how the right guidance, encouragement, and opportunities can unlock a child’s potential to drive positive change.

Ayan’s Message to Others:

“Leadership is not about power; it’s about responsibility. If each of us takes a step towards change, together, we can build a healthier and stronger community.”

Gaurav Sharma

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