Due to the high prevalence of drug abuse in the region, youth are commonly found falling prey to such abuse and being unproductive. Young people spent time loitering aimlessly or spent time indoors in Sivan.
This however changed when forming a youth club was encouraged during a village election. The youth were encouraged to support local development, village events and community improvement work.
At the time, Ambuja Foundation had also involved these youth clubs into sport activities, tournaments like cricket and kabaddi, awareness on dietary lifestyles, awareness session on health and physical fitness. In the community, an open gym was also installed which would motivate the youth to visit daily and get more fit.
The youth club slowly became more than just a group. It became a movement. As activities increased in sports and volunteerism, something changed in the community. They turned from idle to champions pulling away from substance use and towards healthier choices.
This reflected in the neighbouring communities. Youth were getting together and forming their own groups, modelling their activities which they saw in Burj Mehma. The club stands as a powerful symbol of transformation. It shows what happens when young people are given a platform to lead and a reason to believe in their ability to shape their community.