Bridging-the-Gap

For young between 20 to 24 years old

DESCRIPTION

Despite years of education, many young individuals struggle to secure jobs or start their ventures due to a lack of practical skills and the right mindset. TGG Foundation’s Bridging-the-Gap Program is tailored for individuals aged 20-24, who aspire to enhance their career skills or become entrepreneurs through a transformative 35-90 days journey.

During the program, we provide them with crucial life skills such as proficiency in technology, responsible use of social media, strong work ethics, fundamental values, and practical survival skills like cooking, laundry, and farming activities.

Additionally, our program promotes knowledge-sharing through open discussions and explorations, fostering personal development and enhancing their comprehension of sustainable development. Since effective communication, knowledge of technology and collaborations are essential for everyone to be successful, the students who have completed Bridging-the-Gap program can continue to Journey with TGG through its Global Youth Alliance program (RHM Club) to stay updated.

PERIOD AND DURATION

Tailored for individuals aged 20-24, our program offers a minimum 35-day immersion in Career Readiness and up to 90 days for comprehensive support in Eco-Entrepreneurship. Immerse yourself in a transformative experience, embracing personal growth, pushing boundaries, and exploring new horizons. Engage to foster entrepreneurship, igniting your passion to drive sustainable rural development forward.

Sustainable Project

Applicable for all,

Complete one project successfully

Experience: Practical knowledge

Work Exchange

5 hours per day

Office & Creative activities

Learn: Backend operations

Volunteering

2 hours per day

Community Welfare activities

Gratitude: Selfless Service

Comprehensive Support Period

35 to 90 days
Start Your Career Readiness or Social Venture Journey

Support: On-the-Job training, Incorporation and Back-end support

KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION

Rewards/Expense reimbursement/incentives etc.

1) TGG Foundation offers dorm accommodation as stipend in return for work exchange and project management. (We have two beds in one room and have two such rooms which are gender specific)
2) Two major meals a day (breakfast, dinner and tea with lite snacks) offered against volunteering.
3) Certificate of participation on successful completion of the program
4) Letter of recommendation on completing research/studies and submitting the report
5) For students participating in the 90 days Eco-Entrepreneurship program, we provide handholding in kickstarting their venture through incorporation, financial, technical, and back-end support, were the prescribed fee to be paid to the respective authorities by the participants.
6) Option to avail TGG Grant if the requirement is economic backwardness and if selected for Assignments beyond Wayanad.

Before Arrival:

Alignment with our mission: Once your application is accepted the initial step towards participating in our Bridging-the-gap program at TGG Foundation is to complete a one-time registration at https://tggfct.org/responsible-human-mission/.

Caution deposit: Once an RHM Registration number is received by you, reserve your spot by paying a refundable deposit of Rs. 1000. Once your participation is confirmed, a bed will be reserved for you. Please note that if you choose to cancel, the deposit will be fully forfeited. However, upon successful completion of the program and return of all issued items in good condition, the full deposit will be reimbursed. In case of any damage, the cost will be deducted from the deposit.

Fundraising & Networking: As you know, TGG Foundation is a self-supporting organization that covers its administrative costs through the income generated from various activities. All donations are used exclusively for the intended purpose only. We are currently developing facilities on a land purchased by TGG Foundation. Until these facilities are completed, each participant attending the program will add additional expenses to the foundation. Therefore, every student participating in this program has a moral responsibility to raise funds for the development of the RHM Center which can ensure the foundation to continue providing free accommodation to students visiting TGG to participate in various activities. In today’s competitive world, building a strong network for collective action is also crucial. Students must solemnly agree to this sustainable mission when they sign up for this program.

Clarity and Connection: We have dual focus: identifying your inherent talents, interests and equipping you with responsible technology usage for both work and revenue-generating activities. We offer accommodation in exchange for the following roles and responsibilities – 
1) Maintenance work (Physical) 
2) Create, sell and generate revenue (Tangible Contribution) 
3) Website modification, social media, documentary production, promotional activities (Visibility Creation)
4) Fundraising for various projects after creating a good fundraising strategy. (Tangible Contribution) 
5) Collaborations for promoting Bridging-the-gap, Global Citizen Program and Holistic Experiential Learning Program (Networking)
6) Research to develop the RHM Center on TGG Foundation-owned land, aiming for sustainability and scalability of our programs
Additionally, we provide volunteering opportunities in community development initiatives such as social media promotion, videography, photography, and vegetable cultivation.
Gain a clear understanding of our Bridging-the-Gap program and distinguish between Work Exchange and Volunteering opportunities by scheduling a Google Meet to discuss your interests and areas of intervention. 

You have the choice between two focused tracks:
Career Readiness – Acquire technical expertise and key skills essential for thriving in the workplace, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, communication, and leadership. Gain hands-on experience that will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.
Eco-Entrepreneurship – Develop the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to launch your own eco-venture, from initial ideation to incorporation stages. Receive comprehensive support to turn your sustainable business ideas into reality. As we launch our exciting new program, we invite you to commit at least 90 days of your time.
Take a moment to reflect on your aspirations and interests. Consider how each option aligns with your long-term goals before the Google Meet call.

Letter of recommendation: After selection and upon obtaining RHM registration, it is required to submit a letter of recommendation from your current or previous institutional professor or relevant institutional stakeholder before planning your trip. Consider factors such as program duration, season, and any visa or travel requirements.

Online Integration: Students planning to join us are required to complete an online orientation program before arriving. This ensures a smoother transition and reduces the need for extensive assistance upon arrival, facilitating seamless integration into our project. Our Experiential Learning Programme occurs from November to March, and due to a packed daily schedule during this period, we may have limited availability to personally introduce students to the project and activities, potentially leading to a less connected experience.

Items to carry: Other than your personal belongings, items that you need to carry for the onsite volunteering program are : Cloths to wear during field work, Garden Gloves, Mask, Safety Glass, Gumboot, Cap, laptop, essential medicines, etc.

TGG Grant Selection Criteria

About Grant: The grant covers the costs like travel, food, accommodation, field visits, trainer’s fees, and training supplies borne for the project work.
Career Readiness Program (35 Days)
Eco-Entrepreneurship Program (90 Days)
Initially, students are responsible for these expenses. The same will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the program.
Requirements: To understand the criteria and necessity for availing grants, we require the following information from you –
Commitment – You must be committed to create an impact in any of the project you undertake with the given time period.
Letter of recommendation – After selection and upon obtaining RHM registration, you must submit a letter of recommendation from your current or previous institutional professor or relevant institutional stakeholder before planning your trip. Consider factors such as program duration, season, and any visa or travel requirements.
Statement of Purpose – Tell us about yourself, your interests, your purpose for joining, and how you envision contributing through this program.
Requirement for Grant – Elaborate on the reasons for applying for this grant.
PayPal account – Set up a PayPal account for receiving international payments before the program starts.
Bank Account Details – Provide details of a bank account that accepts international transactions through PayPal, where the grant amount will be transferred.
ID Proof – Passport/Aadhara/Driving License/PAN Card
Address Proof – Passport/Aadhar/ Ration card/ Driving License
Submit the above details in the Google Form link to apply for the grant.
Income Proof – ITR Acknowledgement

When you are here:

Open-mindedness: When undertaking our training program in a different cultural setting, it is crucial to approach the experience with respect and an open mind. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the customs and culture of the community you will be working with, and be willing to adjust your behavior and communication style accordingly. Embrace new experiences and perspectives, and be open to both learning and sharing.

Leave Ego Outside: Before entering any TGG-created centers, it is requested that you leave your ego outside, as there is no place for it within our spaces. Approach with humility, recognizing the substantial effort invested in creating such opportunities. We extend the same courtesy and respect in return, acknowledging the effort you’ve made to travel and participate in our training program.

Office Activities: During your stay, you will collaborate with various foundation members and remote volunteers to develop and successfully complete your project.

Creative activities: During your work exchange program you will be using various tools and machines to make various products useful for research, development and maintenance activities. You will also be using various technologies that is required to stay ahead in this modern world.

Common Activities: Engage in tasks such as cooking, cleaning, collecting dry leaves, maintaining the vegetable garden, harvesting, watering plants, social media promotions, videography, photography, and more.

Volunteering Activities: Sustainable projects benefitting the community require a creative approach, integrating handholding at every level for people in rural areas. This should be part of your project planning and implementation to ensure ethical income generation for self-sustainability.

Sustainable Project: Create a sustainable project aligned with our rural development goals, submitting a project report detailing short-term and long-term impacts to the Chairman.

Our Practice: Embrace minimalism at the RHM Center, promoting two major meals a day, recycling, upcycling, simple living, a low carbon footprint, resource sharing, and cost-effective travel. Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.

Accommodation: Bridging-the-Gap participants receive shared dorms (twin sharing) with a shared washroom facility located 25 meters from the room at the RHM Center.
Cooking Facility & Groceries: A community kitchen at the RHM Center provides basic ingredients for Indian meals are available. Additional items can be sourced from a store 3 kilometers away, with delivery available on request at your cost.

Culture Exchange: Hosts at the RHM Center, also founders of TGG, invite those interested in a simple way of life. Daily routines include refreshments at 8 AM, breakfast at 10 AM, tea/snacks at 3:30 PM, and dinner at 7 PM. Sharing meals and potluck dinners are encouraged, fostering informal conversations from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Knowledge Exchange: Your enthusiasm, dedication, abilities, and talents will be assessed during your engagement. Opportunities will be provided for exploration and development until you excel in your chosen area. Successful participants become members of the RHM Club.

Safety Responsibility: Visitors are responsible for their safety in Wayanad, a district surrounded by forests and wildlife. Caution is advised when traveling at night, and staying inside between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM is recommended to ensure safety and minimize wildlife interactions.

Program Termination: While TGG Foundation benefits the community through its projects, participants play a role in social responsibility. If goals diverge from social responsibilities, the bridging program may be terminated, and RHM Registration canceled.

On the area:

Wayanad is a district enveloped by numerous forests, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries, all welcoming habitats for wildlife. We strongly advise all visitors to remain inside their rooms between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, as a precautionary measure to ensure your safety and to minimize any potential interactions with wildlife.

Time off opportunities:

Many tourist places are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good idea to plan your visits on your days off. You can find more information at Wayanad Tourism. The nearest bus stop to the RHM Center is ONNEYAR, just 1 km away. You can also take an auto or taxi to get around. The closest train stations are Kozhikode and Mysore, both about 100 kilometers away. The main bus station near the RHM Center is Sulthan Bathery, approximately 18 kilometers away. The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport, Kannur International Airport, and Mysore Airport, all approximately 100 kilometers from Wayanad.

When you are back home:

We encourage you to share your experience review with us to ensure continuous improvement and make the experience memorable for all participants.
Spread the word on TGG Foundation with others, if that can help transform the lives of other students who are loinspiring and encouraging them to participate in similar opportunities.

APPLICATION FORM FOR BRIDGING THE GAP PROGRAM

TINY HOME project starting on 1st November 2024

ECO-TOURISM training program starting on 10th December 2024

Takeaways

  1. Certificate of Participation
  2. Nomination to RHM Club
  3. Survival Skills
  4. Usage of tools
  5. Usage of technology
  6. Social welfare programs
  7. Financial Literacy Program
  8. Food & Accommodation for undergraduate students within the age group of 20-24 years.
  9. Access to our existing knowledge Bank with an option to request for additional books for reading while you are at the RHM Center.
  10. Extended support for career readiness and start up beyond Wayanad on successful completion of the program.

    CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS TRACK:

    RESEARCH & FELLOWSHIP