Epic UK run the ‘Beyond Boundaries’ cultural exchange project in conjunction with Basti Ram. Basti Ram is a registered UK Charity (1137644) with over 10 years experience of leading groups of disadvantaged young people to India on cultural exchange projects.
'Beyond Boundaries' is 6 months in duration and designed for participants who have faced a difficult start in life such as young people in care, care leavers and young people who are not in Employment, Eduction or Training (NEET). Beyond Boundaries helps young people aged under 18 to stretch beyond their comfort zone to view their lives from a new perspective. Through the experience of learning about a different culture, young people are inspired to make positive changes into their own lives back in the UK.
To date over 100 young people have completed the project learning a range of soft and hard skills along the way.
Phase 1 of the project takes place in the UK, where young people take part in a range of specialised workshops which focus on team and confidence building, lesson planning, presentation, budgeting, planning and fundraising skills. In addition, phase 1 is all about preparing for the adventure of a lifetime in India. Young people learn about Indian beliefs and values, taste Indian food, enjoy Indian music and most of all learn about the day to day lives of people just like them across the world.
Phase 2 takes place on location in India, where young people enjoy a perfect mix of cultural immersion and sightseeing.
Phase 3 takes place back in the UK and focuses on helping young people to reflect on their experiences and put into practice what they learnt on location in India in an evaluation workshop.
​
We are skilled in helping young people cope with the powerful emotions that the project can trigger. Past participants have included children in care, care leavers, young people who are excluded from school, young people who are not in employment education or training and those actively involved in youth crime. Adult participants have included long-term unemployed and those with additional needs. Participants meet and learn first hand how people just like them on the other side of the world are managing with the limited resources they have and working in their communities to battle against adversity. In return participants share their knowledge and time with people who really need it. The interaction that takes place between participants and our linked communities in India, triggers young people to significantly reflect on their life choices, opportunities and resources.
Time and time again we have seen young people complete the program with a new perspective on the world, increased self-confidence, self esteem and perhaps most importantly a new determination to make small changes that will ultimately lead to long term success.
We have a proven track record of delivering 'Beyond Boundaries' to Local Authorities, Virtual Schools, Charities, and to grant funded commissioners.
​
For further information or to book a no obligation briefing on the project please contact: info@bastiram.org.