Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, December 18, 2019 — At the time of nationwide student protests questioning national policies, calling to implement constitutional values in spirit, Poledu Learning Foundation (Policy Talks) launched THINK Policy!, a short certificate course in public policy for teenagers on December 13.
Policy Talks registered as POLEDU LEARNING FOUNDATION, is a Section 8 company that provides public policy resources, opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by civil society to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance social change.
Founder of Policy Talks New Delhi based Manoj Mathew says, “The anxious and curious teens of today are also the policy leaders, entrepreneurs and change makers of tomorrow. Hence, THINK Policy! is designed to enable the youth to engage with public policy to bring the change they believe in,.”
“Based on Review of Life methodology, Policy Talks believes that informed citizens can help to shape a society that values freedom,” adds Mathew who has worked with international youth groups for some 30 years.
The flagship program, launched at St. Anthony’s Senior Secondary School in Hauz Khaz, New Delhi, introduced 40 pupils from grade 11 to the fundamentals of public policy. With the help of public policy professionals, students also learnt the ways of assessing major issues in education and proposed alternate policy solutions. On December 17, another 47 students were provided training at Sahoday Senior Secondary School in south Delhi.
“THINK Policy! is a much needed course as it can help equip the youth with critical thinking and problem solving, which are critical skills for the future workforce,” say Think Policy! experts.
They believe, “This experiential course builds 21st century skills in participants at the time when they are making crucial decisions about their careers”
Amir Ullah Khan, the director of Policy Talks and also an economist says, “THINK Policy! is aimed to equip young Indians with the willingness and confidence to participate in public discourse and become social policy entrepreneurs as they shape their academic and professional lives.”
Mathew insists, “There are many opportunities for public policy aspirants today, from research, academia, policy analysts to entrepreneurial roles. In fact, most corporate and the government today are looking for candidates with knowledge and experience in public policy but unfortunately, there are not enough qualified candidates.”
The five hour course involves assignments, readings, debates, film screenings and group discussions. The course begins with a session on the fundamentals of public policy and gradually guides the youth to examine as well as question the nature and significance of public policy before they can pose alternative policy solutions. The course follows a three step method used in social analysis: awareness, reflection and action in order to bring the desired public policy change.
An advocate and a non-executive director of Policy Talks Rajul Jain who conducted a session on constitutional and liberal values says, “Policy affects everyone. Even if you wanted to be a scientist, a policy would affect that position. Hence, a course like THINK Policy! opens doors for the youth to be more active and open minded, enriching the application of constitutional and liberal values.”
Students are encouraged to submit a policy evaluation of 1,000 words two weeks after the course ends. The best essay receives a medal and all students receive certification for participation.
Open for students from all streams, arts, commerce and science, THINK Policy! is a pilot course and aims to target 800 students from 20 schools. The speakers are public policy experts who have experience working on diverse issues, including education, health, environment, livelihood, and technology.
The Policy Talks team is advised by experts from across the country.
An education policy expert Amit Chandra,, says, “The combination of theory and practice in the course, THINK Policy! allows the youth to ask the right questions, be it about law, society, art or politics, empowering them to become better citizens.”
With an aim to empower students across the country, Policy Talks works in collaboration with schools and welcomes all stakeholders to advance social change.