When you look at organizations like Rubaroo, their influence often goes beyond just youth programs—they create an ecosystem where change is nurtured and voices are empowered. Medha, an advocate for youth-led initiatives, recently shared her experience working with Rubaroo and what sets it apart in the development sector.
The Search Begins
Medha’s journey with Rubaroo began soon after her return to Hyderabad in 2019. Born and raised in the city, Medha had spent several years in different parts of India, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Vizag. Her work before returning home was focused on educational institutions, but upon her return, she sought out organizations doing work in youth leadership and socio-emotional learning. It was through this pursuit that she encountered Rubaroo.
“It was Monisha, one of Rubaroo’s co-founders, who introduced me to the organization. We had both attended programs under the US Consulate, and that alumni network became crucial to discovering like-minded people,” Medha recalled.
Her alignment with Rubaroo’s mission was immediate, and soon after, she found herself collaborating with the organization on a project called “Writing Through Crisis”—a program aimed at helping youth navigate the emotional challenges brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Writing Through Crisis: A Space for Youth Expression
The COVID-19 lockdowns hit hard, especially for youth aged 17 to 22—those in the middle of key life transitions like starting college or dealing with the pressures of academic life. Medha saw this as an opportunity to document their experiences through writing. The project, “Writing Through Crisis,” aimed to capture the stories of young people grappling with the surreal reality of lockdown and its socio-emotional toll.
“I wanted to create a space for youth to express themselves, to reflect on how the world had stopped and how they felt about their uncertain futures. The pandemic was a global event, and its mental and emotional impact on students was profound,” Medha explained.
The partnership with Rubaroo allowed Medha to secure funding for the program through a small grants initiative by the US Consulate, and soon, “Writing Through Crisis” became a platform where youth could express their feelings and stories during uncertainty. The anthology created at the end of the program captured raw, heartfelt writings, some of which explored themes like timelessness, isolation, and reconnection.
“It was fascinating to see how, even though much of the writing was about the pandemic, much of it wasn’t. Many of the participants had never had the time or space to feel and write without academic pressure simply, and that’s what came out of this program—pure emotions and reflections,” Medha reflected.
The Importance of Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
As the conversation turned to mentorship and knowledge-sharing programmes at Rubaroo, Medha expressed her appreciation for how the organization nurtures youth through its peer-to-peer support system.
“Mentorship is essential in today’s world, especially for youth in India. The global economy is changing rapidly, and youth must be taken seriously. Programs like Rubaroo’s help them understand their potential and act as agents of change. The importance of having mentors, particularly those closer in age, is something I believe in deeply,” she said.
Medha also highlighted the necessity of such programmes for the youth of India, especially as the country has an exponentially growing young population, many of whom are already part of the workforce or preparing to enter it.
The Challenge of Measuring Impact
While Medha praised Rubaroo for its efforts in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, she acknowledged the challenge that many organizations face: quantifying the impact of qualitative work. Rubaroo’s programs, such as sex education modules, do tremendous work in changing attitudes, but the true impact lies in behavior change, Medha argued.
“While Rubaroo does fantastic work, it’s crucial for them to capture the real impact of their programs. It’s not enough to simply report the number of sessions conducted or the number of schools reached. What matters is how many people’s attitudes and knowledge have changed,” Medha emphasized.
She suggested that Rubaroo’s future communications could benefit from showcasing the tangible changes in the lives of participants—like how many girls gained knowledge about contraception through the sex education modules.
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
As a mentor and someone who’s worked closely with youth, Medha’s advice to young changemakers was pragmatic and encouraging.
“First, treat every opportunity as a learning experience. Even if it doesn’t make sense right now, keep being part of committees and action groups. In hindsight, you’ll realize how much value it adds. Second, don’t be afraid to pivot. Changemaking is a long-term process, and it can be disillusioning at times. Taking care of yourself financially and mentally is crucial because only then can you contribute meaningfully,” Medha advised.
What’s Next in the Store?
Medha’s involvement with Rubaroo may have started as a collaboration, but she now sees herself as a long-term supporter of the organization. Her next step? Joining Rubaroo’s Interfaith Youth Leadership Program marks her second engagement with the organization, but this time as a participant.
“Rubaroo’s impact is hard to quantify but impossible to overlook. Their work—whether with youth leadership, interfaith dialogue, or socio-emotional learning—shapes the values and identities of tomorrow’s changemakers. It’s a beautiful testament to their dedication, and I’m proud to be part of it,” Medha concluded.
With changemakers like Medha, Rubaroo is shaping individuals and helping build a more inclusive and thoughtful society.
About The Author
Leave a Reply