Building community: An aftercare SSG meet

Recently, we had the pleasure of conducting a Self-Support Group (SSG) meeting, part of the Make A Difference Aftercare program, at aikyam space. This event focused on supporting young adults transitioning out of child care institutions. Typically, we hold these meetings in public parks, but this time, aikyam’s invitation transformed the experience for both the youth and us, the facilitators.

aikyam space offered a welcoming atmosphere that made a significant difference in how the session unfolded. Its unmatched positivity created a conducive environment for open conversations. We didn’t need to plan additional exposure activities for the participants—the space itself provided the inspiration. It reminded me of an interview with Santhosh George Kulangara, where he said, “The dreams you see from your house and the dreams you see from the Burj Khalifa are different.” aikyam allowed the youth to dream big, without the need for external activities.

The youth responded to aikyam space with excitement and curiosity. Many shared how the environment encouraged them to reflect on their future in a more relaxed yet inspiring setting. The overall consensus was that it’s a place where people feel uplifted just by being there.

Strengths of the Space
Three key strengths stood out to me about aikyam space:

1. Its positive, peaceful energy.
2. The sense of community it naturally evokes among those who visit.
3. ⁠A well-stocked, spacious library. It is an amazing space for holding literary activities and programs.

Areas for Improvement
I see two areas where improvement could be considered:

1. Awareness: aikyam space deserves more visibility in Kochi city. More people should know about this gem.
2. Community Engagement: I’d love to see more collaborative events to bring together diverse groups and facilitate co-learning.

I’ll definitely be returning to aikyam space. In the future, I hope to invite different communities to contribute to the space, possibly through a gift culture model. The idea is not just to use the space but to actively give back and ensure it continues to flourish as a hub for learning, connection, and positivity.

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