Draft:Prayasam

= Prayasam = Prayasam officially Salt Lake City Prayasam is a non-profit organization (NGO) based in Kolkata, India, dedicated to the holistic development of underprivileged children and youth. Founded in 8th November 1996 by Amlan Ganguly, a social activist and former lawyer, Prayasam has since been instrumental in empowering marginalized communities through various educational and skill building initiatives.

History
Prayasam was established with the aim of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by children living in urban slums and rural areas of West Bengal. Amlan Ganguly's vision was to create a platform where vulnerable children could access education, life skills , and opportunities for personal growth, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

Programs and Activities
Prayasam operates a range of programs designed to cater the diverse needs of children and youth from disadvantage backgrounds :


 * 1) Education Initiative: Prayasam runs informal education centers in slum areas, providing foundational education to children who have limited or no access to formal schooling. These centers employ innovative teaching methods to make learning engaging and relevant to the student's lives.
 * 2) Life Skill Training : Recognizing the importance of holistic development, Prayasam conducts workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing the life skill of young people. These programs cover topics such as communications skills, leadership development , health education, and financial literacy.
 * 3) Youth Empowerment: Prayasam empower youth from marginalized communities to become agent of change in their own lives and communities. Through mentoring, vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives, the organization equips young people with the skill and confidence they need to pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to society.
 * 4) Community Engagement: Prayasam actively involves community members in its initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for social change. Community events, awareness campaign, and advocacy efforts are integral parts of the organization's approach to community development.

Impact
Over the years, Prayasam has made significant strides in improving the lives of thousands of children and youth across West Bengal. Through its various programs, the organization has not only helped children access education and develop essential life skills but also contributed to breaking the cycle of poverty and exclusion in marginalized communities.

Recognition and Partnership
Prayasam's work has been recognized and supported by numerous government and non-governmental organizations, as well as corporate partners. The organization has also received awards and accolades for its innovative approaches to social development and youth empowerment.

Future Directions:
As Prayasam continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable society. The organization aims to expand its reach to new areas, deepen its impact through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, and collaborate with like-minded partners to maximize its effectiveness in transforming the lives of disadvantaged children and youth.

References:

 * 1) Prayasam official website ( https://prayasam.org/)
 * 2) Ashoka ( https://www.ashoka.org/en-in/story/enterprises-amlan%27s-mentees )
 * 3) The US Embassy and Consulates in India ( https://in.usembassy.gov/the-revolutionary-optimists-in-kolkata/)
 * 4) The Revolutionary Optimists (http://revolutionaryoptimists.com/about-film)
 * 5) PBS https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/optimism-is-revolutionary/
 * 6) The Telegraph https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/ngo-screens-own-films-at-snehodiya/cid/1996297
 * 7) India Today https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20001002-calcutta-based-ngo-prayasam-organises-rock-concert-for-grandparents-778868-2000-10-01

This Wikipedia entry provides an overview of Prayasam, highlighting its history, programs, impact, and future directions in the field of social development and youth empowerment in India.