Participants’ experiences - Auroville Youth Integration Programme (AVYI)

AVYI was an amazing experience. I learnt so much more than I expected. All the organisers and participants were amazing, and I had so much fun. My goal going into this workshop was to get a good enough understanding of Auroville, to be able to explain what it is to anyone I meet in the future. And after the workshop, I finally feel capable of it!

The best part of the programme was the people. I knew some of them already, but most were barely acquaintances. By the end, after multiple conversations, tears and laughter, I realised that the organisers and other participants are what made this workshop fun. So thank you to all of you.

As feedback, perhaps an extra day and possibly a visit to some of the working groups to have a discussion with them could make this programme more complete.

Overall, my understanding of Auroville has improved so much. And finally, understanding the place that your parents decided to move to is an amazing feeling and makes me even more happy I grew up here.

Satchi

This programme helped me somehow gain so much information. The AVYI programme organisers definitely did their best and achieved what they wanted to do. My favourite part of the programme was learning about the foundations of Auroville groups from such a friendly team. I just wish the programme had been longer than four days.

The thoughts and questions I had about Auroville have changed after attending the AVYI program. I think that this programme should happen often so that all the youth get to know Auroville better. Thank you, YouthLink!

Viknesh

The programme was enjoyable, fun and lively. At the same time, I felt there was space to explore in-depth and speak sincerely. There were some things I didn't feel like expressing, but that was a personal choice.

There was plenty of important information about Auroville. Some of it went by fast, like the system of governance. If I didn’t have prior context, I would have understood less.

My least favourite part was the ‘spectrum of feelings’ exercise, but I also feel that it was useful, to understand how I felt about the entry process.

I feel my ideas about Auroville ideals are refreshed. I see that some current community members may not be dedicated to its ideas.

Thank you. I am very grateful.

Yam

I was very happy with the AVYI programme. Make it at least one week. It taught me a lot about Auroville, but surprisingly, it also taught me about myself and others. My favourite part of the programme was that it felt like we were creating a mini family. This sense of team and family was very much appreciated. After attending the programme, I feel a bigger sense of community, and I’m feeling more interconnected.

I would have liked more team building exercises and to have learned/discussed more about our views and Auroville philosophy. Maybe we could have also done a group trip to the Matrimandir!

Thank you, and I wish to keep seeing this, YouthLink, and more youth oriented programme development.

Asia

I really enjoyed it. I felt really stressed and overwhelmed at some point, but I also felt that I was in a really safe space so I managed to overcome it. I also understood some things that I think will be useful for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about Auroville and the way it functions, which gave me a lot of clarity on where I am and where I want to be in life. And I gained the enthusiasm to learn even more and invest in myself.

I really enjoyed the circle exercise because it really made me understand both that I feel a sense of belonging in Auroville and that I feel really uncomfortable and meaningless in the outside world. I also enjoyed making a presentation because, for the first time, I managed to turn my anxiety into adrenaline while speaking and that was really interesting and empowering.

I don't think my thoughts on Auroville have changed, but I can now put them into words more easily. The programme also made me appreciate my parents for bringing me here against my will ten years ago. I feel gratitude and clarity.

Madhu