Assessments: Looking Beyond Marks to Understand Growth
When we hear the word assessment, the first thing that often comes to mind is examinations, marks, and report cards. However, in community-based youth development programmes, assessment has a much deeper meaning. It is not only about measuring knowledge but also about understanding how young people learn, grow, develop confidence, and contribute to their communities. At Parvat Youth Collective (PYC), we do not conduct formal examinations or written tests. Instead, we see assessment as a continuous process of observing growth, encouraging reflection, and supporting young people in their journey.
During June and July 2026, our programmes provided several opportunities to understand youth learning beyond conventional measures. Through weekly calls, monthly meet-ups, mentoring conversations, community initiatives, health awareness sessions, and career guidance activities, we witnessed how young people developed new skills, explored opportunities, and became more confident in taking responsibility for themselves and their communities.
Our weekly calls became more than information-sharing sessions. Discussions on Conservation Grants, Samvaad Fellowship, Azim Premji Scholarship, Inspiring Stories Grant, and other opportunities encouraged young people to ask questions, understand eligibility criteria, and explore possibilities that many had never considered before. Their curiosity, participation, and willingness to apply for these opportunities became an important indicator of learning and confidence.
This growth was reflected in the achievements of several youth members. Four young people were shortlisted for the first round of the Conservation Grants, and Sumit and Aafreen advanced to the final round. Similarly, after successfully completing the Factor Daily Fellowship, Charu and Ramlesh were selected to travel to Bengaluru to present their work. These achievements were not the outcome of a single assessment but the result of continuous mentoring, active participation, and consistent learning over time.
Community engagement also became an important way of understanding youth development. During the Aadhaar Camp, members of PYC actively supported community members by assisting with registration, documentation, and application processes. Their ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and take responsibility demonstrated practical leadership skills that cannot be measured through written examinations alone.
The Harela Plantation Drive provided another meaningful example of learning through action. Youth volunteers led plantation activities across schools, youth centres, and community spaces, resulting in the plantation of 250 saplings. Beyond environmental conservation, the initiative strengthened teamwork, planning, community ownership, and leadership among participants. These experiences became valuable indicators of personal and collective growth.
Our Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHM) sessions also highlighted how meaningful assessment happens through observation and dialogue. Many adolescent girls initially hesitated to discuss menstrual health openly. By the end of the sessions, participants were actively asking questions, sharing experiences, and engaging in discussions with confidence. This shift in participation and openness reflected genuine learning and empowerment.
Similarly, the Career Counselling Session conducted with Class 11 and 12 students at Government Inter College (GIC), Shyampur demonstrated the importance of assessing aspirations rather than academic performance alone. Students actively engaged in conversations about higher education, scholarships, fellowships, entrance examinations, and career pathways. Their questions reflected growing awareness and a stronger desire to make informed decisions about their futures.
At PYC, reflection is an essential part of assessment. After every activity, young people are encouraged to discuss what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how they can improve in the future. These conversations help participants develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and confidence while helping facilitators understand how programmes can better respond to the evolving needs of youth.
Assessment is equally important for facilitators. It allows us to understand whether our activities are relevant, whether young people are meaningfully engaged, and how our mentoring approaches can be strengthened. In this way, assessment becomes a shared learning process for both youth and mentors.
Our experience over the past two months has reaffirmed that meaningful assessment is not about assigning scores - it is about recognising potential, celebrating progress, and creating opportunities for continuous growth. A young person's confidence to speak in public, willingness to take initiative, ability to work with others, commitment to community service, and readiness to explore new opportunities are all powerful indicators of development.
At Parvat Youth Collective, we believe that every conversation, every community activity, and every new opportunity is a form of assessment. When assessment is viewed through the lens of participation, reflection, leadership, and lived experiences, it becomes a powerful tool for nurturing young changemakers. Rather than asking How many marks did a young person score?, we ask, How has this young person grown, and how can we continue to support their journey? This belief continues to guide our work and reminds us that the true measure of success lies not in marks, but in meaningful change.
By Aamna
Manager- PYC Program
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