As I reflect on the journey of Speak Up! Act Now! over the past two years, I am filled with pride and optimism for the future. What started as a small initiative to raise awareness and empower youth has evolved into a powerful changemakers initiative.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The foundation of Speak Up! Act Now! was built on the belief that expression is liberation. Over the past two years, we have stayed true to this belief, encouraging young people to express themselves, engage in social action, and develop leadership skills. Our mission has been to create a platform where every voice can be heard, and I am proud to say that we have made significant strides toward this goal.
Empowering Youth Voices
In 2021, we won the United Nations’ School Champs for Climate Action award, which was a significant milestone for our organization. This recognition served as a catalyst for further growth and inspired us to expand our reach. In 2022, I was lauded as the ‘Young Messiah of Awareness’ by the United Nations. Two years later, we have impacted over 5,000 students from underserved communities through our English communication classes, helping them to express their thoughts and emotions without reservations.
We have enabled this through The Wonder Capsule, a comprehensive 50+ hour training material that introduces various forms of English writing to students all over the country, providing them with a cathartic platform to share their inner fears and feelings.
Expanding Our Reach
I’m pleased to share that I have recently gotten the incredible opportunity to intern with the circularity company Karo Sambhav, which focuses on promoting environmental sustainability through innovative waste management solutions. I hope to advance my understanding of environmental sustainability and circularity, and maybe even incorporate these principles into my work with Speak Up! Act Now!.
Reflection
On a personal level this past year, I’ve faced emotional trauma, witnessing close family members battle severe health issues. These experiences have taken a toll on my mental and emotional well-being, but they have also instilled a desire to help others; I try to use my story to connect with and inspire others facing similar challenges.
ANVI TUTEJA
Thoughts Caught 