The Orchid School, in collaboration with What’s My Goal, recently organized a unique and educational event for the students of Grade IX—a mock Under-18 elections process. This initiative aimed to give students a practical experience in democratic practices and civic engagement while also creating voter awareness among adults.
The objectives of this program were multifaceted. Firstly, it sought to provide students with an understanding of policy-making and politics as a potential career path. By participating in their own Under-18 elections, students engaged in choosing their leaders and fulfilling their national duty, promoting greater civic engagement for a stronger democracy. Additionally, the program aimed to create voter awareness among urban adults, encouraging them to participate actively in upcoming elections.
Moreover, this initiative provided students with exposure to essential life skills such as public speaking, negotiation, handling criticism, and more. Through the Under-18 World Cell, students were exposed to 24 career domains, broadening their understanding of various professional avenues.
The structure of the Under-18 elections was meticulously designed. Each school served as a constituency, with three parties—Green, Future, and People—forming the Under-18 World. Three Under-18 Election Officers or IAS officers were selected from every constituency after a rigorous selection process. This included a written exam and an interview panel to ensure competent and responsible leadership.
The election process involved nominations for MLA positions, meeting specific criteria set by the Election Commissioners, and a polling process to elect an Under-18 MLA. The elected MLA then became part of an exclusive community of leaders representing their constituency in the Under-18 Assembly.
The Under-18 Assembly, with a tenure of two years and three sessions, allowed students to draft and pass actionable bills. These bills, once passed, were executed in each constituency through the Under- 18 World cell, comprising the Under-18 MLA, Under-18 IAS officers, and Under-18 clan leaders.
Overall, this initiative was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in democratic practices and civic engagement from an early age. By simulating real-world election processes, students gained invaluable insights into the workings of democracy and the responsibilities of active citizenship.
