“From covering social issues to tackling them”
Meet Baleegh, a journalist with a keen eye for social issues. But unlike his usual role of reporting injustices, he found himself on the other side of the equation – actively tackling them. Witnessing the ripple effect of his project, “Know Your Rights,” Baleegh sits down with Rubaroo, offering his unique perspective and blending his journalistic lens with change-making. Dive into this transformative journey with Rubaroo, a youth-led organization empowering young people like him to become agents of change.
A Spark of Change
It was January 2020 when Baleegh’s mom, a US Exchange Alumna, stumbled upon – The Dialogue Project – and shared it with him. Hesitant, Baleegh gave it a shot nonetheless and, since then, hasn’t looked back. Through one of the sessions, he was introduced to Rubaroo and understood what Rubaroo aimed to achieve through the program.
“Initially, I was not up for it, but then I gave it a shot to something that I enjoy doing and is satisfying. I worked with low-income students, which was difficult to reach during the pandemic, but one of the most satisfying moments of my life was at these schools.”
Baleegh’s problem statement was the need for more awareness of rights among young people, especially school children. While he aimed to reach 300 students, the pandemic disproportionately impacted low-income schools, and it became challenging to gain access. However, he didn’t bog down and got 50 young minds from underprivileged backgrounds. While the number of students may seem less than the target, the long-lasting impact made the difference.
More than Teaching, a Learning Curve
“The adrenaline rush got me going in the program, only to realize that I had to sit down and read things. That’s where Rubaroo helped me understand child rights better. My interaction with Neha, Alifiya, and many lawyers and psychologists helped broaden my understanding of the issue.”
Many changemakers burst onto the scene and have big ideas, but the key is to be as specific as possible. And that’s what Baleegh realized when he sat down to plan his project and narrow down elements. He shares how the project helped him professionally while covering a story on mental health among children through a basic understanding of child rights. Reaching out to psychologists helped grow his knowledge of the subject and helped him implement his project better.
“Once I got into Rubaroo, I got introduced to changemakers and young people from different programs apart from the core team. It was a wonderful experience as I built connections and collaborated with them on some of their projects.”
Growth Beyond Project
While Baleegh devoted his time to impacting the lives of 50 young minds, he didn’t realize the path of growth he stepped onto. Walking in as a quiet and somewhat introverted, Baleegh transformed himself into a confident young person, raising his voice against the injustices. After fellowship, Baleegh built a communication network with on-ground psychologists, lawyers, and social workers.
“I can see a change in me (then vs now) as the journey has helped me understand myself, communicate with people, and listen to what people are saying rather than reacting at first. It has helped me in my job as a journalist, where I got access to a bigger network and learned the art of communication.”
The project’s impact wasn’t confined to the initial participants, as it passed through to their friends, schoolmates, homes, and beyond. While acknowledging that he isn’t sure of the more significant or enormous impact, Baleegh shares how his project has reminded him of the ripple effect our actions can create.
“I’m not sure about the larger impact, but I can see the impact in the school where I implemented my fellowship. Even today, the children are like – can you please teach me those rights, because we need to know them. And this is after two years of fellowship. They realized the importance of their rights, and the program gave them the confidence to go ahead.”
Looking Ahead: A Safe Space to Grow
“Come prepared, but be open to learning and collaborating. Rubaroo will sharpen your skills and broaden your perspective. Embrace their guidance.” This is what Baleegh advises young makers willing to join hands with Rubaroo.
As Rubaroo approaches its 10th anniversary, Baleegh’s story is a testament to its transformative power. He urges the organization to continue expanding its reach, “reaching out to bigger platforms and influential voices,” while staying true to its core values. “Create a safe space for young people to learn, grow, and become the changemakers the world needs,” he concludes.
Baleegh’s journey, woven with his own words and experiences, exemplifies the impact of Rubaroo. It’s a story of personal growth, lasting impact, and a call to action for young people and organizations. As Rubaroo embarks on its next decade, Baleegh’s voice is a powerful reminder of the change it has sparked and its potential for the future.
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