Farhana’s journey with Rubaroo began as an early teenager at 13, when she became a member of the Amberpet Community Center in 2018. Driven by curiosity and a zeal to learn, she promptly joined the computer classes after spotting a poster near her home.
“Maine ek poster dekha community centre ka 2018 mein aur join kiya kyunki yaha computer classes ho rahe the. Mujhe computer nahi aata tha. Toh yaha maine kafi saari cheezein seekhi hai,” Farhana recalls. Her eagerness to learn opened new opportunities that would shape her world growing up as a teenager. Much like other young people, Farhana became an integral part of the community center as it had just been established in the area and was looking forward to building a network of young people.
Yaha mere life ka ek naya chapter shuru hua
Farhana’s early days with the Rubaroo were filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Initially, it was overwhelming for her as she navigated the space and built connections with people. Now, the community centre had become a routine for her, just as she went to school, and came here to become a part of a space that facilitated growth and self-discovery. This shift from a participant to a facilitator for the community centre was a remarkable turnaround for someone whos life was confined to home and school.
“Maine kafi sessions liye jaise reading aur English class jiski wajah se mera stage fear chala gaya, aur maine participants ko kabhi bhi alag feel nhi karaya ki mai facilitator hu. Toh yaha mere life ka ek naya chapter shuru hua kyon ki mai sirf ghar se school aur school se ghar aaya karti thi.”
Becoming an ambivert
“COVID ke time par community kafi depressed hogayi thi, toh maine Rubaroo ke zariye community activities organise kiya aur unhe support offer kiya. Par Rubaroo ki maujudgi se community se kafi log join hone lage, dropouts, school ke bache, aur yaha tak kafi uncles aur aunties ne bhi saath diya. In fact, niche stitching training centres ke students bhi aaya karte the aur mai waha kafi sessions aur activities karati thi.”
Rubaroo’s presence brought together people from all walks of life—students, school dropouts, and even parents who wanted to get involved. A stitching training centre in the same building joined in as well, with Farhana leading engaging sessions and activities for them.
Challenges and learnings along the way
But every journey has its challenges, and for Farhana, understanding concepts like gender and sexuality has been a personal struggle. Reflecting on the sessions at the center, she admits, “Centre mein gender aur sexuality pe sessions hue the, lekin mai aaj bhi yeh chiz samjh nhi paa rahi hu. Koshish karti hu ise samajhne ki but time lagega mujhe.” She remains committed to learning, willing to give herself the time and space she needs to understand these complexities.
Farhana hopes Rubaroo will continue to grow, creating spaces not just for young people but also for adults in her community who are eager to learn. She envisions a place where everyone, regardless of age, can explore their talents and pursue personal growth. Sharing her journey with friends, she encourages them to come to Rubaroo and explore their unique abilities.
“Mai bachpan se ghar mein hi raha karti thi aur sirf school jaaya karti thi,” she reflects, “lekin Rubaroo ne mujhe confidence diya bahar nikalne ka aur enjoy karne liye.” Farhana’s journey with Rubaroo has been one of discovery, empowerment, and a deep sense of community. And as she looks to the future, she carries forward Rubaroo’s mission to inspire those around her.
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