GAHN Workshop Singapore - a report

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD GLOBAL AWARD HOLDERS NETWORK [GAHN] WORKSHOP, SINGAPORE

On the 16^th of August the delegates arrived at the National Community Leadership Institute [NACLI] in the evening and to begin with we went out for a nature work around Kent Ridge Park, which was an amazing experience, this gave us time to get to know each other.

Day 1: 17^th September 2012, the day began with a warm welcome by Prof Leo Tan, Chairman, National Youth Achievement Award Council [NYAA], followed by an introduction and overview by Jenny Jacob who represented the International Secretariat.

We had the opportunity to visit the residence of the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Antony Phillipson. A lavish afternoon tea spread along with his very kind and supportive words marked the beginning of the day’s activities. 

The main topic taken up that afternoon was ‘Beyond Gold- How to remain engaged in the Award.” This discussion became even more interesting as we were joint by NYAA gold Award holders and current participants putting forward their practices and challenges as well. We managed to have a detailed discussion, which was very well summed up by Major General Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence.  His very inspiring words helped us consolidate all the ideas brought out by the various groups during this session.

A chance to witness a Meet-the-people-session conducted by Members of Parliament on a weekly basis to hear the grievances of the public and support them with all possible aid was the perfect way to end the day. 

Day 2: 18^th August 2012, we started the day with a keynote address on ‘Servant Leadership” by Dr. Tan Chi Chiu, Member NYAA Council. 

Followed by which we were split into five groups in order to discuss the five main issues:

• International Award Network and Opportunities
• How to set up an Alumni/Award Holder Association 
• Life after Gold-Engagement
• Life after Gold- Advocacy
• Life after Gold- Events 

All the groups began working and were given the next few hours to prepare presentations to put forward all challenges and potential solutions revolving around our respective topics. Rest of the day was marked by a couple of brainstorming sessions and preparations for next morning.

Evening visit to Singapore’s newest attraction Gardens by the Bay, which is a park, spanning 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden.

Gardens by the Bay is an integral part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden". The stated aim is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.

Day 3: 19^th August 2012, the day began with all the groups presenting and an interactive question and answer session. 

Devanjali formed part of the group that tackled “Life after Gold-Advocacy” and presented the issue in the form of a role-play taking various situations where Advocacy plays a major role. 

The stage now set for building a network for alumni bodies from all over the world. Thank you Singapore NYAA and the IAA for making this possible!

- Report filed by Rohit Saxena and Devanjali Dutt the delegates from India

For any feedback or questions welcome to email devanjali@dofe.in or rohit@dofe.in

Rohit and Devanjali are representing India at GAHN 2012

GOLD AWARD HOLDERS TO REPRESENT INDIA  AT THE GAHN SINGAPORE WORKSHOP We are excited to have Captain Rohit Saxena (founding member of GAHS) and Devanjali Dutt (India Youth Rep) attend the forthcoming Global Award Holders Network (GAHN) Singapore Workshop being held 16 to 20 August 2012. We wish them all the best! The programme will build on the work of the 2011 IGE/Youth Forum and work towards key outcomes. These will include looking at how GAHA’s around regional and international communities can interact together to support the growth of the Award. The participants will work on developing a 'how to' guide on ways to start an alumni association and connect with Awardees from other countries.

First Gold Holders' expedition to explore, preserve and build in Spiti

Tentative Dates: late August to early September, 2010. KAZA, Spiti

National Award Partner- Ecosphere and the Gold Award Holders' Society of India are proud to present a "Meaningful trek" exclusively for Gold Award Holders and Gold Award participants. This expedition spanning a total duration of 15 days will include 4 days of travelling, 5 days of active volunteering and 6 days of trekking and sightseeing.

Route: Delhi - Manali – Spiti – Manali – Delhi.

Maximum Altitude: 5000 metres above sea level.

We invite you to a different kind of holiday that makes travel meaningful through active discovery of the magic of Spiti valley while contributing to the development and conservation of the region. Home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples in the world, this Trip provides an interesting insight into Spitian life, culture and Buddhist heritage along with the opportunity to be part of reducing the impacts of climate change. During this journey you will be assisting the local community in the construction of a solar bathing facility. You will participate in the actual construction of the solar passive structure and will be assisted by a dedicated team of a qualified mason and representative from Ecosphere. During the trip you will also be hiking along some of the highest villages in the world, across rolling meadows which are the grazing pastures of the local livestock and the hunting grounds of the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Wolf. Each village along this trail is adorned by unique and ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples dating back to over a 1000 years, encased in legend and folklore. The home stay accommodation along the trail further enriches the experience by giving one an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home. Your hosts are the local people of Spiti, accommodating you in their homes to enhance your sojourn in Spiti.

Highlights

• A carbon positive trip where by building a solar bathing facility for the local community, you will help reduce carbon emissions and enhance health of the local people and also offset the carbon emitted on your journey to Spiti.

• Experience rural life in the Himalayas by living with the local community and becoming a part of their daily lives. This is one rare opportunity to learn about local cultures, agriculture, ecological and socio-economic issue first hand, while making tangible contributions.

• Make lifelong relationships with real people in one of the remotest corners of the Himalayas. A journey that makes you part of a family and the community as a whole, their day to day lives, their relationship with the environment, their daily chores, religious strivings, struggles and celebrations.

• Hiking deep into the vast open spaces of this rugged backcountry. A great way to learn about the ecology and bio-diversity that is nurtured amidst this unique desertscape.

• Visits the ancient monasteries dating back to over a 1000 years preserving a living Buddhist tradition till date.

• Get insights into the local development and conservation issues and a peep into Ecosphere’s initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of this Trans-Himalayan region.

Significance of the Project in this Trip

The construction of a solar bathing facility is of great significance in Spiti as large amounts of fuel wood, coal and LPG are burnt for heating water throughout the year which contributes to Carbon dioxide and black carbon emissions. The latter has far more damaging effects on the melting of glaciers and snow at a local level. Through the set up of a solar bathing structure, we will not only enable the local community to cut down on emissions (especially those of black carbon), reduce their fuel wood consumption and hence the money they spend on it per annum, as well as enable them (especially the women and children) to enhance their levels of hygiene.

Contact the GAHS Team at the National Office by July 31st with your confirmed participation and get more information. Come be a part of a historic effort to relive Award Journeys, share experiences and make a difference to your community. All while having a great time!

Memorandum of Association

Memorandum of Association


of

THE GOLD AWARD HOLDERS’ SOCIETY

ARTICLE – I

1.0 Name

1.1 The name of the Society is ‘THE GOLD AWARD HOLDERS’ SOCIETY” hereinafter called the Society.

ARTICLE – II

2.0 Office of the Society

2.1 The Registered Office of the Society shall be situated in the State of Delhi, and at present, it is at the 596 Asian Games Village, Padam Bahadur Mal Block, New Delhi-110049

ARTICLE – III

3.0 Objects

3.1 The objects of the Society shall solely be the advancement of charitable objects as listed in Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 more elaborately in the interest of the public at large mentioned as under:

3.1.1 To further the success of the award programme through support and promotion, development and networking in accordance with the objectives of the Award Programme Foundation that operates the International Award for Young People, India.

3.1.2 To increase the awareness of opportunities among its members of becoming award leaders, trainers, instructors, assessors or financial benefactors at local, national or international level.

3.1.3 To establish a database on providing information on locally available award activities undertaken by award holders.

3.1.4 To promote the award within schools, Open Award Centres (OAC), youth groups and elsewhere by sharing own experiences and encouraging the aware in their vicinity.

3.1.5 To assist with expedition training and assessment, to serve on local committees and help with training seminars and workshops,

3.1.6 To assist in the promotion of the Award Programme at fund raising and promotional functions, official events and award presentations.

3.1.7 To focus on projects and develop proactive association, interpersonal and communications skills to enhance the personal development.

3.1.8 To develop Gold Award Holders’ Networks (GAHN) with similar groups in other countries, develop exchange opportunities for participants and assisting at international events.

3.1.9 To define the self-financing of administrative cost of the association in accordance with the main development plan.

3.1.10 Cooperation with the minded public entities at the local, national and global levels to achieve effective implementation of various programmes, in the interest of public at large.

3.1.11 Widespread dissemination of knowledge and awareness of such alternatives and their availability including educational and direct contact programmes, in the interest of public at large.

3.1.12 To collect funds through donations, sponsorships, contributions, gifts, legacies and other permissible modes, in the interest of public at large.

3.1.13 To utilize the corpus of the trust as also the interest/income accruing thereon towards the objects of the trust, in the interest of public at large.

3.1.14 To collect, compile and disseminate research and statistical data and any other information to international and national organizations, the general public, and the members of the Society in various forms and to undertake enquiries.

3.1.15 To cooperate and collaborate with like-minded institutions and agencies whose objects are similar or in part are similar to those of the Society.

3.1.16 To establish contacts with similar organizations in other countries for better cooperation in various areas.

3.1.17 To subscribe or become a Member of or otherwise cooperate with any other organization whose objects altogether or in part are similar to those of the Society

3.1.18 To accept, receive, purchase, take on lease or hire, or otherwise acquire any movable or immovable property or any rights or privileges necessary or convenient for the purpose of the Society on such terms and conditions as may be thought fit or expedient.

3.1.19 To establish and support or aid in the establishment and support of associations, institution, funds, trusts and conveniences, calculated to benefit employees of the Society or the dependents or connections of such persons, and grant pension and allowances, and to make payments towards, and to subscribe or guarantee money for charitable or benevolent objects or for any exhibitions for any public, general or useful object.

3.1.20 Create a corpus fund for the Society that can be used for the objectives of the Society.

3.1.21 To invest funds from time to time which are in terms of Section 11 (5) of Income Tax Act of 1961 or any other law for the time being in force and subsequent amendments thereof.

3.1.22 To assign to any class of Members any preferential, special or qualified rights or privileges over or as compared with any other Members as regards voting or otherwise, whosoever, and

3.1.23 Generally, to do all that may be necessary in the interest of the realization of the above objects of the Society directly or indirectly.

ARTICLE – IV

4.0 Application of Income and Property

4.1 The income and property of the Society, however derived, shall be applied wholly towards the promotion of the objects thereof, as in this Memorandum of Association. In respect of the expenditure grants made by the Central Government or other International Agencies shall be subject to such limitations as the government may from time to time impose. No portion of the income and property of the Society shall be otherwise paid directly or indirectly by way of benefits, bonus or otherwise to any persons who at any time are or have been Members of the Society or to any of them or to any person claiming through them, provided that nothing herein contained prevents the payment in good faith of remuneration to any Member thereof or other persons in return for any service rendered to the Society.

4.2 If on the winding up or dissolution of the Society there remains, after the satisfaction of its debts and liabilities, any property, whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the Members of the Society or any of them but shall consistently with the objects of the Society be dealt with in such a manner as the management may determine, provided however that the assets are used in such a manner as to further as nearly as possible the objects for which the Society was established.

4.3 All the incomes, earnings, movable, immovable properties of the Society shall be solely utilized and applied towards the promotion of its aims and objects only as set forth in the Memorandum of Association and no profit on thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividends, bonus, profits in any manner whatsoever to the present or past Members of the Society or to any person claiming through any one or more of the present or past Members. No Member of the Society shall have any personal claim on any movable, immovable properties of the Society or make any profit, whatsoever by virtue of his / her membership.

ARTICLE – V

5.0 Subscription

5.1 We, the several persons whose names and addresses are given below, having associated ourselves for the purpose described in this Memorandum of Association, do hereby subscribe our names to this Memorandum of Association and set our several and respective hands hereunto and form ourselves into a Society under Act XXI of 1860 this 26th day of December, 2009 at New Delhi.

Desirous Persons: We, the undersigned are desirous of forming a Society namely THE GOLD AWARD HOLDERS SOCIETY Under Societies Registration Act 1860 as applicable to the Union territory of Delhi in the pursuance of the Memorandum of Association of the Society.

S.No. Name Address Occupation Signature



1 Ishita Khanna Geeta Cottage, Sanjauli

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Social

Entrepreneur

2 Tripti Bansal 1/10, Shanti Niketan

New Delhi - 110021 Student

3 Pranay Kapoor 25 Vikvekanand Nagar

Maldahia Varanasai Student

4 Saachi Sareen Green House Nongrim Hills

Shillong Meghalaya Student

5 Sandeep Dutt 596 Asian Games Village

New Delhi - 110049 Self- Employed



6 Rohit Saxena 109/3 Officers Enclave

Jai Paltan Lines

Alwar Rajasthan Employed

7 Juzer Abbas Shaikhally M J Patel House 2nd Floor

177/79 Nagdevi Street

Mumbai Self Employed


Governing Body: The name, addresses, occupations and designation of the person Members of the Governing Body to whom the management of the Society is entrusted as required under the section 2 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi are as follows:

1 Ishita Khanna Geeta Cottage, Sanjauli

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Social

Entrepreneur President

2 Tripti Bansal 1/10, Shanti Niketan

New Delhi - 110021 Student Vice President

3 Pranay Kapoor 25 Vikvekanand Nagar

Maldahia Varanasai Student Secretary

4 Saachi Sareen Green House Nongrim Hills

Shillong Meghalaya Student Joint Secretary

5 Sandeep Dutt 596 Asian Games Village,

New Delhi 110049, Indai Self Employed Treasurer

6 Rohit Saxena 109/3 Officers Enclave

Jai Paltan Lines

Alwar Rajasthan Employed

IT Professional Member

7 Juzer Abbas Shaikhally M J Patel House 2nd Floor

177/79 Nagdevi Street

Mumbai Self Employed Member

Annual General Meeting, 24th of June 2010

Modern School, New Delhi, India
Present:        GAHS Executive Committee

                        President- Ishita Khanna

                        Vice President- Tripti Bansal

                        Secretary- Pranay Kapoor

                        Joint Secretary- Saachi Sarin

                        Treasurer- Sandeep Dutt

                        Youth Rep- Rohit Saxena

                        Award Holder, Hon. Secretary- West- Juzer Shaikhally

           

47 Members

Hon. Secretary- East- Bivujit Mukhoty

            Hon. Secy- GAHS- Nivedita Samanta

Observers: Ms. Gilly Shirazi, Secretary General, International Award Association

                   Ms. Sue Walker, Asia Pacific Regional Director

Programme Flow:

            12.30 pm- Arrival and Registration

            1 pm- Lunch & Fellowship. Lunch sponsored by Nirula’s.

            2 pm- Gather for Annual Gold Meeting

Agenda

1.     About GAHS

2.     Introduction and approval of Executive Committee Members, Honorary GAHS Secretaries and present individual members

3.     Sharing and approval of work done since inception of GAHS in March 2010

4.     Introduce auditor and consider, approve and adopt audited statement

5.     President to share plan and vision. Open House Discussion-for the way ahead, suggestion of future programmes and establish priorites

6.     Any adoption or amendments of Rules and Regulations of the Society, if necessary

Minutes

1. Meeting was called to order at 2.15 pm by GAHS President-Ishita. She proceeded to introduce GAHS for the benefit of new members.

The Gold Award Holders’ Society registered on March 8, 2010 is the premier Alumni network for Gold Holders in India. With the motto of Cherishing Service and Relationship (CSR), GAHS is an effort to create more awareness about the Award in our country and to rope in exuberant Award Holders, who feel for the Award and are keen to give back, GAHS exists for the provision, promotion and preservation of the International Award in India. The GAHS Office runs currently from the National Office but has presence all across the country. With Honorary Secretaries currently in the West and East Zones, for better administration, communication and growth of the Award, GAHS will function as a completely independent setup to assist in alumni relations and growth of the Award Programme as per the Strategic Plan of the National Office.

2. Ishita asked all Executive Committee Members to introduce themselves. The Executive Committee features Award Holders from over the years so that there is diversity of experiences for best possible growth. To supplement GAHS’ efforts to round up maximum members across the country, enthusiastic Award Holders and otherwise have been identified and made Honorary Executive Secretaries. So far from the East Zone, Bivujit Mukhoty, from the West- Juzer Shaikhally and recently from the South- Sridhar Lakshmanan are the Honorary Secretaries.

Warm welcome given to our special guests- Gilly Shirazi and Sue Walker by everyone present

Ishita proceeded to ask all individual members to introduce themselves and say a few words about their Award experiences. This exercise reflected the great experiences that the Award allows every young people.

Most people felt that the Award is the complete package for enhancing personality, to grow in a well-rounded manner. There were several comments from members who have completed all Award levels that they had experiences of a lifetime. Residential and Service Projects particularly allowed them to improve their personalities, become a team worker, learn about new things, and overcome fears through fun learning. Some felt that it is absolutely necessary to become volunteers to promote the Award in their schools, localities in an effort to allow more young people to go on self-discoveries, think beyond marks and academics and cherish the importance of small things.

3. GAHS organised the first GAHS Summit on 23^rd December, 2009 in New Delhi. This first effort brought together some Gold Holders from generations and introduced to them the National Strategic Plan for the growth of the Award Programme in the next three years. With the challenge to grow, especially in the 18-25 age groups, and introduce half a million young Indians to the Award, garnering Gold Holders, the best ambassadors for the Programme, as volunteers and Award Leaders will successfully create a network of people trained to ensure quality and service our society.

Since, volunteers at the National Office have worked towards the registration of the Society with the Registrar of Societies in India and with the efforts of Accountant- Mr. Sunil Trehan of Sunil Trehan & Co., GAHS was registered on March 8, 2010.

Over a few small meetings with the President, Treasurer and GAHS Members an event to bring together Award Holders, Award partners and potential partners from education, government, corporate and social sectors was felt necessary. The CSR Summit held on June 23, 2010 was successful in bringing together different stakeholders of the Award Programme to collaboratively engage youth in our society.

4. Sunil Trehan, Sunil Trehan & Co. Was approved as auditor for GAHS. Audited statements will be made available soon. Every member of GAHS can look at statements on formal request.

5. Plan ahead: working together on future programmes for networking and Award development

Some ideas put forward and agreed on included

·       Annual/bi-annual  events like a trek or Residential Projects or Service projects for GAHs in collaboration with Volunteer Organisations and/or Service Providers

o   Each zone can do pilots on a section of the Award Programme

o   Events like music concerts that may help provide finances to sustain future events. International exchanges/events can follow once we can prove sustainability.

·       GAHS Members as Award Ambassadors NEED to talk about the Award to create more visibility

o   Share Award stories and experiences on all Public Relations/Communications Mediums. As PR/Communications are at a nascent stage, it is important to lay ground work collectively and record Award stories to National Communications Team

o   Try to help Bronze, silver to complete Gold and to ensure better Gold completion rates in Award units in all zones.

o   To create more word about the Award, get young professionals/interns involved in Communications and PR strategy.

Confirmations to work together- every member present committed to give support and introduce atleast 5 other Gold Holders to register with GAHS in the next one year

The meeting concluded with all members sharing their Goals for the year. T-shirts for all Gold Holders were distributed and new Gold Awardees headed for the Presentation Ceremony at the Vice President of India, Residence. 

This is a true copy of the minutes and the list of Members of the Society present exists on the Register on record, at the NAA Office.

GAHN Summit Declaration

AIM

This Summit proposes the concept and implementation plan for the formation of the Gold Award Holders’ Network (GAHN), in India.

BACKGROUND
Under the auspices of the NAA, the Award has experienced significant growth. More young people are now participating than ever before and an increasing number of Award Holders now have the desire to form Award Holders’ Associations (AHAs). A Gold Award Holders’ Network (GAHN) can help to link, network and synergise active Award holders all around the world so as to provide them with a platform to serve the global community and create long-lasting links amongst young people. It will also encourage existing AHAs to work more closely with their respective Zones.

AIMS OF THE GOLD AWARD HOLDERS NETWORK
The Gold Award Holders’ Network is being established with the following aims:

a. Supporting the NAA. The GAHN will be able to support the development of successful AHAs, by having good working relationships with their own Zones. The support and recognition of the GAHN by IAYP India is crucial. In return, the recognised AHAs could support their Zones in a number of ways, as successfully demonstrated by some existing Gold Holders at the NAA office.

b. Sharing of best practices with NAA and AHAs. The GAHN presents opportunities to share best practices amongst the NAA and the AHAs. While noting the influences of culture on the various modus operandi, lessons learned from the different approaches can be beneficial. This open sharing will enhance the knowledge management payoff and synergistic gains of the network.

c. Development of links between AHAs. The immediate payoff of the GAHN would be its linkages to facilitate and build bilateral and multilateral links among AHA members. An example could be the bilateral cooperation between the respective AHAs and NAA around the country. Many collaborative projects can transpire from these linkages at the bilateral, regional and international levels and funding may be raised via NAA or other appropriate platforms.

d. Platform for representation at international events. The GAHN may give its representatives opportunities to fly the NAA flag at various regional and national platforms, such as events initiated by the IAA, the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

e. Feedback Forum to NAA. With the GAHN, NAA will be able to reach out formally to recognised AHAs and be informed of any feedback or proposals from the youth. This will form an additional means of communication for Award-related matters.

THE GOLD AWARD HOLDERS NETWORK (GAHN)

The Gold Award Holders' Society of India will assist the NAA and the IAYP India Team in the growth and development of the Award in India. Will comprise of GOLD HOLDERS only, and there will be one national body.

The seven members needed to form a Society and complete the paper work will be Ishita Khanna, Tripti Bansal, Pranay Kapoor, Saachi Sarin, Sandeep Dutt, Rohit Saxena and Juzher Shaikhally.

The founding team will sign the Memorandum and Articles for the Society and the registered office of the Society will be the same as the working address of IAYP India (596 Asian Games Village, New Delhi 110049).

A CALL OF ACTION

We the Gold Award Holders in India affirm to support the NAA and take ahead the programme which highlights practical experience and exceptional efforts as drivers along life’s journey and where through our programme we give young people the opportunities and confidence to keep learning, do more, and go further. This encapsulates the original vision of our founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
We affirm to support the work of the AWARD PROGRAMME FOUNDATION, Administering Trust of The International Award for Young People, India (The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award) a Public Charitable Trust Reg. No. TR/27951, registered in India.

__________________________
Signature of Gold Award Holder
Date:
Venue:

GAHN India raising day 13th Dec 2009