In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for 21st-century skills has never been more pressing. These skills, encompassing a range of competencies from critical thinking to effective communication, are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life and work. However, how many of us had teachers specifically for public speaking or leadership during our school years? This gap underscores the urgent need to integrate these skills into contemporary education.
What are 21st Century Skills?
21st-century skills refer to a set of abilities that students need to develop to succeed in our information-based, technology-driven society. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, leadership, and digital literacy.
About City One Initiative (COI)
City One Initiative (COI) is a national upskilling organization dedicated to nurturing contemporary skills in students and providing them with platforms to showcase their talents on both national and international stages. Established in 2016, COI initially focused on delivering public speaking and city-based Model United Nations (MUN) programs. Since then, the organization has significantly expanded, conducting over 120 upskilling sessions in leading academic institutions and benefiting thousands of students from diverse backgrounds.
COI’s Mission and Impact
COI’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of education by introducing innovative learning methods that equip students with essential 21st-century skills. Through its various programs, COI aims to be a catalyst for change, promoting a shift towards more effective and engaging educational practices.
COI’s work is widely recognized and appreciated both nationally and regionally. The organization has pioneered several groundbreaking projects aimed at empowering students and amplifying their voices. Here are some of their notable initiatives:
- Bal Panchayat (Children’s Parliament):
COI’s Bal Panchayat project focuses on empowering child marriage victims in rural areas near Ajmer, Rajasthan. Through this initiative, 60 young girls receive essential public speaking skills, enabling them to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights effectively. - Junior Model UN:
COI introduced one of the first Junior Model UN programs in India, specifically designed for students in grades 3 to 5. This program gives young learners a head start in the world of debating and international diplomacy, fostering critical thinking and oratory skills from an early age. - Specialized Model UN for Parents and Teachers:
In a pioneering effort, COI launched a Model UN committee for parents and teachers, themed around the G-20. This initiative, the first of its kind in Asia, provided participants with the unique opportunity to represent nations in a formal setting and discuss the inclusion of moral education in school curriculums.
City One Initiative is at the forefront of a transformative movement in education, addressing the critical need for 21st-century skills. https://www.cityoneinitiative.com/ By equipping students with essential competencies and providing innovative platforms for learning and expression, COI is preparing the youth for future opportunities and challenges. The organization’s commitment to improving educational quality and fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments makes it a beacon of progress in the realm of contemporary education.
About the Founder – Shivansh Ahuja
Shivansh Ahuja is the Founder-CEO of City One Initiative, a national organization focused on upskilling. He holds a degree in computer science engineering and a postgraduate degree in management from the University of Nottingham. Shivansh has chaired, organized, and delegated in over 150 diplomacy and public speaking simulations worldwide. Selected for the Teach For India fellowship in 2017, he has also received the Your Nottingham Alumni Award and the International Award for Young People. Shivansh has collaborated with renowned youth organizations like CRY India, MTV, and AIESEC in various capacities, earning regional and national recognition for his work. As an educator and entrepreneur, he is passionate about 21st-century skills, particularly in public speaking and leadership. Through his participation in education-based fellowship programs and startups globally, Shivansh identified a need to upskill students everywhere, addressing gaps in the current education system. This realization led him to establish City One Initiative in 2016.
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