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Breaking barriers
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Hurdles may be solid as rocks. But one can cross them with some faith and training, believes the adventure organisation, Breakthrough.
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More than a balancing act
ONE HARDLY knows that the name of the organisation - Breakthrough - has a literal significance until one goes to its campus. One finds a huge rock (almost 25 feet high) and a banyan tree cutting right through its middle and growing luxuriously. The rock and the tall tree, with its branches almost like an umbrella over the rock, seem to co-exist peacefully, even as they represent opposing principles of nature. This is, perhaps, symbolic of the faith that one can break through any barrier, rock hard as it may be.
Breakthrough, an adventure organisation, started over a year ago, has had more than 1,000 people, including children, youths, and students, coming from all over the country to its campus.
A project of the Sports Outreach India, Breakthrough facilitates positive changes based on experiential learning.
Sharpening life skills and developing the personality of an individual by providing a supportive environment is the idea behind Breakthrough. Says Rose, one of the trained facilitators at the organisation: "Students of management and others do have a theoretical understanding on group dynamics, leadership, communication etc., but training here helps them apply these theories to life and see them in a positive and actual perspective."
An MBA student, who went through the course, said: "It helps us realise ourselves."
How does Breakthrough work out its activities? The organisation has various modules to suit different groups. For example, the facilitators work towards making young students understand that one's self image must match one's self-esteem, and that what one feels and thinks about oneself must be in harmony. The group is thus guided through an experiential two-day programme that focuses on recognising one's strengths, identifying and overcoming self doubts and fears that hinder personal growth. All these concepts are reinforced through adventure and sports activities. Decision making, problem solving, and coping with a competitive environment are all honed through these.
One favourite activity at Breakthrough is the rope course that involves good co-ordination and team work. Tee-ter-totter, help maze, and spider web are among the other activities. The organisation also trains children to apply their creative ideas and encourages them to challenge old mindsets.
Three principles are constantly at work in the activities: Don't discount yourself, don't discount others, and don't discount the activity you are undertaking. Every idea, opinion, and suggestion is shared, says Timmy an instructor trained in the US.
The final message through its various activities is clear: Man is never alone.
Since programmes are specifically designed according to the needs of the group of participants, people from various social organisations, corporate sectors, students, and others approach Breakthrough. Activities are marked out keeping in mind the age groups, and its psychological, social, and physical needs. Says Ms. Rose, summing up the overall import of the project: "At times, education can really narrow down our understanding of certain situation, and breaking away from such barriers is what Breakthrough initiates."
Breakthrough campus is on Bannerghatta Road. It can be reached on 6347200.
SHOBA RAO
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Metro Plus
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Chennai
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