From afar they are just a group of people sharing a few (actually many) laughs while sharing their ideas, but if you were to stop and listen for a bit these were serious ideas that were being discussed. And don’t let their good natured ness fool you because this group of young individuals are motivated, dedicated and have a passion for what they are doing, making certain that they see things through. They don’t have their way… get ready for a volcano to erupt. They will make their point and have good reasons for it… some time long analysis of issues. At the end of the day they will win and really make everyone who lost the argument glad they gave in. Why you might wonder…because at the end of the day they will produce results and they will be impressive.

Identity, diversity and global citizenship; the three themes Beyond Borders is tied up around. These youngsters sure do represent these concepts. They are so diverse in every aspect. Be it religion, ethnicity, talents, outspokenness, way of thinking, outlook on life, their sense of humour and even the food they eat!!!!   

Beyond Borders is a regional sharing, learning, and networking project for young people between the ages of 18 and 23, in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and UK.  The project focuses on building greater mutual understanding, learning and respect while developing an understanding of active global citizenship which is the theme assigned for the year 2005. The unique element in this project is that its agenda of activities are designed by young people for young people.

A functional network of hundred Core Group Members (CGM’s) in all five countries will manage project activities focussing on active citizenship and social development, within a period of eighteen months. With workshops and outreach work to distribute learning gained through project work, the CGM’s will gain exposure to best practice community projects in collaboration with partners. A colourful highlight of Beyond Borders is the five festivals organised in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & UK.

Working within the themes of identity, diversity and global citizenship, the three action project topics chosen by the CGM of Sri Lanka are HIV/AIDS and the youth, Patriotism and ethnic understanding and Teaching English and Vocational skills to women in rural areas. The chosen action projects under these topics are the running of documentary/presentation/quizzes and other HIV/AIDS awareness programs at schools and other organizations and also a website designed and developed for HIV/Aids youth and others in general to share ideas, chat and gain professional advice. A mobile clinic to detect HIV/Aids for people in rural areas beginning with Jaffna, is yet another action project decided by the CGM of Sri Lanka.

Under the topic of Patriotism and ethnic understanding, the action projects suggested are consist of a slogan driven campaign including the creation of products focussing on inspiring these notions, to be culminated at the end of the year with the launch of an inspirational book for the 'Sri Lankan' Soul. A fund raiser involving school children and other young people, too is on the agenda. The formulation of the action projects for the final topic of Teaching English and Vocational skills to women of rural areas are still in progress.

'The Beyond Borders Project gives us the opportunity to start understanding ourselves as individuals, our country and all its culture and finally, other countries and their cultures,” says Shameema Akbarally who heads the Sri Lankan Core Group.

As she sees it, 'Our generations have grown up in a time of conflict both within our own country and overseas, causing many people to lose their lives and others their livelihood. Misunderstanding has led to mistrust,'

What attracted the rest of the Core Group Members to this project varies… it more or less revolves around what they are passionate about. Spend ten minutes with Dinidu de Alwis and you would know that this boy has a sense of humour that needs a bit of tolerance and is Very passionate about working towards AIDS awareness.    

'I joined mainly because Beyond Borders was a networking project. That means we would get to meet a lot of people and share there experiences, and we would get a glimpse of the knowledge others posses. This would be a great assistance for any kind of community work, as greater understanding of people would result in community workers such as I, to work with more knowledge and understanding of one's culture.'

A maths whiz from the University of Moratuwa, Gayan Malinga who had an interesting fear about not having his favourite beverage at the camp says that he was attracted to this project as it’s a team work of young people which develops their potential in many aspects and gives them opportunities to serve the society via the experience they get.

'I'd like to get a better understanding about different cultures, develop my soft skills such as leadership, management and communication skills via this project and to be a dynamic team player,' he says adding that he hopes to contribute to social issues through these experiences.

Having killed quite a few brain cells trying to come up with a quote Yusuf Hussain says that he is not a very good one-line person. So instead he decided to more or less quote one of the trainers and to get everyone else thinking about their actions, 'the next time you jump red light or throw something out the window, think how it affects the image of the country.'

Moving on from that side of him he talks about why he wanted to join Beyond Borders, 'What I hope to achieve now that I am a part of Beyond Borders is a better Sri Lanka. I hope to be able to work with the core group on projects that would make Sri Lanka a more culturally aware and tolerant place and meet new people and learn new things in the process.'

At first glimpse Beyond Borders sounds like a good project once you get to know about it a bit more you realise that this is an amazing opportunity for young people. While they are gaining what can be considered as one of the best experiences of their lives they are also changing themselves within while helping to make an impact in society. What can be expected from this unique group of individuals… the coming months will tell - that is project wise… Personally…. you never know.