NEW SHOOTS FROM OLD ROOTS...Project Age 22

When intellectualism and charity combine, often do appear a new thought of life as the new shoots of fresh leaves appear on the same tree with an old root.  Father of our Nation, Mahatmaji, could see the great changes as an intellectual Father Anthony Elenjimittam-our founder,  could achieve during the freedom movement.  In 1946 when having a morning stroll Mahatmaji said to Father Anthony: 'do not restrict yourself to pure intellectualism through writing and lecturing.  Combine it with charity and work for the upliftment of the Harijans. Whatever work you do for their all sided growth and uplift, whether it is in slums or villages, will have my blessings and encouragement'. 

The Project Age 22 encourages the students to follow Mahatmajis words to Father Anthony. To mould responsible youth in this modern age where space journeys are becoming child's play, it is our challenge to translate the advice of Mahatmaji to Father Anthony who encourages everyone to live the powerful motto: "For the Freedom of the soul and Welfare of mankind".

The Project provide quality education with a human face, introduce cognitive and behaviour rehabilitation approach to add character, skills, values and focus on a holistic living approach to bring complete wellness.  The key is to create a protective environment in and around of their families and communities with strong family oriented value system to prevent the street stories repeating.  An Empowered student can carry the legacy of social responsibility experienced in St Catherine of Siena to others, being a true role model himself/herself.  Thus a bridged new life with values helps them to transform as the real citizens of the one world, one humanity and with one world citizenship, the vision of our founder Father Anthony.

Intelligence in Its Best

Intelligence cannot be ignored even in those 'angels in rags' whom we often see as very poor by the side of our daily lives and whom we tend to ignore.  Father Anthony Elenjimittam, our founder always believed this, while he worked tirelessly under the tree shades to educate the poor and over aged children who were rejected by many schools because of their poor, illiterate and over-age back ground. 

Ravi Gawai is now a doctorate student at the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Science and says, “This project changed my career and life forever! Along with the financial support I was able to get emotional support which was very important for me at that time.”  Ravi also trains students at St Catherines, calling it ‘my giving back time’

Reena is a corporate trainer. She also is an activist with her own foundation called Umang Youth Charitable Trust. “I owe my success to project 22 for the financial, emotional, institutional and logistical support it gave me.”  Reena is also a junior trainer in the Responsible Relationships Program.

Madhavi is now a Kindergarten teacher at St Catherines where she began her education. She says, “St Catherines has given me ample opportunities to explore my talents including dancing, singing and counselling at life skills sessions.” After completing an internship as a teacher’s assistant at St Catherines, Madhavi decided to train to become a teacher. She has completed an Early Childhood Certificate Course and is about to undertake a Bachelor of Education course. Madhavi represented St Catherines in a debating competition in 2018 and won an educational trip to Hong Kong.

Sachin, Ravi and Sunil: Participation in the Happy Feet project has transformed these young men from their lost childhoods into what we see in them today. Their growth has been incredible. Sunil is a Capoeira Master and Ravi a graduate and an active blogger assists him. They have their own initiative called Capoeira Mumbai, conducting training and workshops for children, teens and youth. Sachin now uses his creative skills as a successful event manager. “Through the career guidance and counselling, I discovered my skills, talent and interests and accordingly I went on to choose my career” Sachin says.