Youth at risk | Stefan Hermann | TEDxPanchgani

Stefan Hermann claimed the audience's undivided attention as he bravely shared heart-breakingly honest and intimate details from his past, while speaking at the TEDxPanchgani. This German born author, professor and world traveler firmly believes that the entire Education system should be revamped, as it is completely irrelevant to life skills and employment in the future. In fact, our future depends on broadening our vision of Education. Stefan boldly proposed that each person can be a catalyst for change, via meaningful interaction with the younger generation. In India, almost ten thousand young people took their own lives in the last year. That means something is terribly wrong with the educational system, and also the support system. Stress, bullying, depression and abuse can severely impact youngsters. Mentoring groups can make a tremendous difference to the lives of those who have suffered emotional, physical or sexual trauma. A revolutionary new approach towards mentoring; involving listening, acceptance and "modelling" behavior, can create a safe space for troubled teens. Stefan urged everyone to help in this, for example by creating "truth-telling circles" where youngsters can open up, share their deepest feelings and channel their anger. India has immense potential for change - everyone can come together to make a drastic change!  Stefan Hermann is a firm believer in the re-invention of the entire system of education. This German born author, professor, Pro tennis player and world traveler has been teaching for many years as a guest professor at the University for Social Pedagogy in Lausanne, Switzerland. For some time he served as the 1st Executive Director of "Boys to Men" San Francisco Bay Area, and has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in May 2013, speaking on the subject of Education. Stefan is certified at the highest level of the world’s largest men’s organization “The ManKind Project” heading up weekends with large groups in attendance.  He also held the Guinness Book record for the longest rally in tennis history.  For over a decade he been working with his global, more-than-for-profit network for youth mentoring called GenDerations International, currently active in Southern Africa, Europe, the US and lately, in India. For much of the last ten years he has lived in Pune, India, where he is deeply involved in youth mentoring. This talk was given at TEDxPanchgani an event held at Ravine Hotel using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx