Overview
The dedicated team at Leadership Tribe has always thrived on mutual support and achieving the unthinkable together. This time, our mission was to give back to society. How did we plan to do it? This article captures our journey, the emotions involved, the practices and efforts each of us put in, and the outcomes achieved. We delve into our journey to Ratchapalli, highlighting the transformative experiences of our team. We met a group of highly motivated local youth and helped them realize their goals, which in turn, helped us grow and find new purposes in our lives.
Team Introduction
Our team at Leadership Tribe comprises individuals dedicated to making a difference. Key members include Krishna Chodipilli, our charismatic leader, and several others who play crucial roles in our mission. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, enriching our collective efforts.
Origins of the Journey
The journey to Ratchapalli was sparked by our project manager, Achsah, who is deeply involved with her church community in Vishakhapatnam. Her invitation to visit her home village, Ratchapalli, offered us a chance to experience the village’s beauty and the strong community spirit they had built over the years.
Significance
This journey was significant for both personal and broader societal reasons. It was an opportunity to contribute to society meaningfully. And, it was a chance to see how we could support the journeys of young minds in Ratchapalli.
Preparation
Our planning began weeks before the trip. One of the main challenges was adjusting our nocturnal habits to an early start. We had to wake up at 3 a.m. to leave by 5 a.m. and reach Ratchapalli by 9 a.m. The meticulous planning and discipline we maintained the previous day helped us overcome these challenges successfully.
Travel to Ratchapalli
The journey began at 5 a.m. with a 3 – 3.5 hour drive from Vishakhapatnam to Ratchapalli, a remote village nestled in the jungles of Andhra Pradesh. Along the way, we took a customary tea break, a ritual in India that provided a moment of camaraderie and refreshment.
Activities in Ratchapalli
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a piping hot breakfast at our colleague’s house. We then gathered to plan our session on career progression, aimed at the local youth. Our session began with a simple yet profound question: “What does a career mean to you?” This initiated a fruitful and engaging discussion.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier, as the youth primarily spoke Telugu (the local dialect). Among the five facilitators, only three were fluent in the language. We had to work together to support those who didn’t speak the dialect and help translate for the youth. The respect and reverence the youth had for the elderly observers also added a layer of complexity to our interactions.
Another significant challenge was the lack of internet and mobile networks. The only available network was Jio, which needed daily renewal and had extremely poor connectivity. Despite this, we managed with the limited internet coverage and embraced the opportunity to disconnect from our phones for two days.
There were also no physical or intangible tools to facilitate our sessions and we managed to deliver effective workshops, adapting on the spot with the help of the community. We also faced power cuts, but the local community’s support helped us adjust and continue our activities seamlessly.
Contributions
Our goal was to have a meaningful conversation with the youth, and we succeeded. The group had diverse aspirations, and we helped them realize that achieving their goals could also benefit their community. This realization was mutually rewarding.
The journey sparked personal growth among our team members. It had lasting effects on the Ratchapalli community. Inspired by our interaction, the youth were motivated to pursue their aspirations while contributing to their community’s welfare.
Conclusion
In summary, our journey to Ratchapalli was a transformative experience for both the Leadership Tribe and the local youth. We built strong connections, supported each other’s growth, and made a lasting impact on the community.
This journey was more than just a trip; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of giving back. Moving forward, we are inspired to continue supporting and empowering communities.
We invite readers to engage with the Leadership Tribe’s initiatives and follow our future journeys. Together, we can make a difference.
