Through our work over the past few years at the Sarvodya Collective, we have come to believe that one of the most powerful levers for long-term inclusion is a youth-led shift in social mindsets. Young people have the potential to influence cultures from the inside out, creating a ripple effect of change that extends beyond schools to influence how families talk and think about inclusion and how local communities and workplaces welcome neurodiversity.
Our experience and work with young people has shaped our understanding of how we can channel their energy, voice, and commitment to spark impact, starting with the spaces they already belong to.
We have found that youth allyship grows best in environments that give students a mix of structure and autonomy. Students choose how they want to step up for inclusion: through the articulation of changes they want to see in their school or the actions they wish to take. We then support their preferred form of allyship while making it happen.
Over the years, this allyship has taken many forms: students have led peer sensitisation in school through Inclusive Duniya Circles, sparked by observations of neurodivergent peers experiencing isolation during lunch breaks. Adolescents have facilitated SEL sessions in their neighbourhoods to seed an inclusive mindset in younger children. In recent months, students have been working on a range of ideas, including:
We empower young people to lead these Circles, encouraging them to actively and openly talk about the topic, challenge stereotypes, and share their own observations without fear of judgement. When these conversations are led by peers rather than authoritative figures, the power dynamics shift. There is more openness and the message is often better received.
One of the most important things we build into our facilitation design is creating spaces for vulnerability. Inclusive Duniya Circles are designed to be safe and respectful environments where students can share personal experiences of exclusion, belonging, or difference.” – Pooja Sharma
Students participating in an Inclusive Duniya Circle
“Every circle is unique and each one leaves behind a few powerful moments of connection. One that stands out took place in a school where high school students were facilitating a circle with younger schoolmates… almost every student in the room shared experiences of feeling left out” – Pooja Sharma
Student taking the lead in facilitating an Inclusive Duniya Circle.
During the Inclusive Duniya Song Project, students wrote, composed and produced a song entirely on their own, carefully writing lyrics which invited listeners to imagine a world where everyone feels like they belong while picking melodies that convey warmth. Students used their creative talents to make a gentle but compelling call to action for allyship.
Students performing their Inclusive Duniya Song at VolFest, an event that celebrates volunteerism in India on Good Deeds Day.
Listen to Pooja Sharma describe their experience.
Helping students tap into their personal strengths and interests, whether in music, arts, sports or even advocacy, enables authentic engagement and contribution.
We’ve found what works for us is an approach that blends core knowledge and training (covering key concepts such as ableism and disability-friendly practices) with the freedom for students to shape their own contributions.
With the right support, this generation can become a driving force for equity and inclusion—not just in their schools, but in every space they move through in life. Let’s guide our young people to become allies who truly value and celebrate different ways of thinking and being, and who play their part in weaving informed, enabling and inclusive communities for all.
