Steve: Much as I appreciate being able to use various forms of high tech and IT kit, there is something especially appealing to me about very simple technology that meets real human needs and requirements in an elegant, ingenious and effective way So it was an absolute delight for me to meet Profesor Ravi Kumar who heads CART. He came over to me as a highly intelligent, well-informed, committed and modest man with a great sense of humour – a powerful combination! The toilet which turned poo into compost and the biomass stove which converted grass clippings and wood to charcoal while providing heat for cooking deserve special mention for their holistic approach to design. In addition to the low-cost eco-friendly technology which he talked about, two other points from his presentation stand out in my mind. Namely, that his designs were made available to anyone who wanted to copy them, and also that he refused corporate sponsorship so as to retain full control over his work and to not compromise the integrity of the organization by associating with any brands. Professor Kumar is providing practical and affordable solutions in a way which I found uplifting because it is “intelligent” in the best sense of the word – applying creative thinking to human needs and also recognising our intrinsic connection with the planet we inhabit with its beautiful mysteries. From what we learned at today’s meeting, in my book Ravi Kumar and his team are “the business” when it comes to the real meaning of sustainability (the social business of course!) – I’m looking forward to working with him in some way.
Isabel: One of the things I have been really struck by in visiting what we now call “social enterprises” in India is the commitment to a vision as well as an outcome. In many cases that vision is inspired by Gandhi and his insistence on “What we need is not mass production but production by the masses”. Professor Ravi Kumar mentioned Rachel Carson (Silent Spring) and Schumaker (Small is Beautiful) amongst the writers who he had been inspired by. His determination not to sell out to capitalism, with all the ills that it brings, but to plow an alternative and humane furrow was integral to the cheap and effective solutions to social problems that he and his students design. To me, this is what distinguishes social enterprise in India from social enterprise in the UK: the bigger vision of a return to a small-scale, land-based economy that India had until only a hundred or so years ago but that the West lost in the 19th century with industrialization. Low-cost solutions to rainwater harvesting, shelter and energy production pioneered by CART definitely have practical applications in the West. I have yet to meet the visionaries who can take India directly into a future of clean technology, leaping over the high-carbon emission phase of coal and oil-fuelled industrialization, but I am hoping that I will!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Day 6: Visit to RHLP
Sue, Sue, Kelly and Lois: First impressions of Mysore was that it was more serene than Bangalore, cleaner, less chaotic and with little evidence of the gut churning poverty that we’d seen so far on the journey. When we visited the Rural Health and Literacy Project (RHLP), the reasons for the less obvious slum presence became clear. There are more than 80 slums in Mysore compared to nearly 800 in Bangalore. We learned that to qualify as a slum there must be 24 dwellings or more – so the small encampments of two or three blue tents we saw didn’t count. The RHLP has made impressive improvements to the lives of slum dwellers and street children. Of particular note were the 70 – 80% reduction in infant mortality and early marriage, and the peer education programme between slum dwellers.
Following the visit to RHLP we visited the Slum Federation. Our drivers had some problems today! Because of a misunderstanding one group were taken to sandalwood and silk shop instead of the slum we were supposed to visit! Once the mistake was realised, we set off, but unfortunately it turned out to be the wrong slum! Although we were not expected, the residents showed us around and answered questions. They lived one family per house in concrete buildings which were completed about 4 years ago. There is a fresh water supply, although main drains were still to be connected, and mains electricity. In a field next to the buildings there were about 20 tents covered in palm leaves. The residents explained that the men with more than one wife lived there because the current houses weren’t spacious enough to accommodate each of them.
We then met with male and female representatives of the Slum Federation including Hindus, Muslims, young and old. They spoke to us about the huge improvements they had made by becoming organised and lobbying for change, setting up groups to focus on specific issues like health, education, and financial security. They all said that conditions were previously lacking, but now basic conditions are acceptable. Children now go to school. The Women’s Federation are focused on the fight for enhanced access to higher education for slum dwellers. We heard from ‘Dwani’ (wise woman), a representative of the Women’s Federation. They are taking a leading role in enhancing women’s status and rights, differences and disputes in the community. RHLP appeared to be the catalyst for change but communities were really doing it for themselves.
In the evening we visited the RHLP home for street boys, with the street girls specially invited. We were warmly welcomed, and heard about their dreams and ambitions for the future, including wanting to be a teacher, social worker, footballer, cricketer, cook and policeman. They presented a variety of spectacular cultural dances for us, plus magic, acrobatics and impressions, and asked thought provoking questions. A diplomatic answer was needed to the question about the US, Saddam Hussein and oil! We were provided with snacks and drinks and had an opportunity to talk and play with the children afterwards. The children, as always, seem to gravitate towards Trevor, who is now known as the great arm wrestler, after defeating 5 of the boys in one go!!
The days visits inspired and encouraged, as well as making us feel uncomfortable at times, questioning the benefits we bring, knowing there is so much more to do.
Following the visit to RHLP we visited the Slum Federation. Our drivers had some problems today! Because of a misunderstanding one group were taken to sandalwood and silk shop instead of the slum we were supposed to visit! Once the mistake was realised, we set off, but unfortunately it turned out to be the wrong slum! Although we were not expected, the residents showed us around and answered questions. They lived one family per house in concrete buildings which were completed about 4 years ago. There is a fresh water supply, although main drains were still to be connected, and mains electricity. In a field next to the buildings there were about 20 tents covered in palm leaves. The residents explained that the men with more than one wife lived there because the current houses weren’t spacious enough to accommodate each of them.
We then met with male and female representatives of the Slum Federation including Hindus, Muslims, young and old. They spoke to us about the huge improvements they had made by becoming organised and lobbying for change, setting up groups to focus on specific issues like health, education, and financial security. They all said that conditions were previously lacking, but now basic conditions are acceptable. Children now go to school. The Women’s Federation are focused on the fight for enhanced access to higher education for slum dwellers. We heard from ‘Dwani’ (wise woman), a representative of the Women’s Federation. They are taking a leading role in enhancing women’s status and rights, differences and disputes in the community. RHLP appeared to be the catalyst for change but communities were really doing it for themselves.
In the evening we visited the RHLP home for street boys, with the street girls specially invited. We were warmly welcomed, and heard about their dreams and ambitions for the future, including wanting to be a teacher, social worker, footballer, cricketer, cook and policeman. They presented a variety of spectacular cultural dances for us, plus magic, acrobatics and impressions, and asked thought provoking questions. A diplomatic answer was needed to the question about the US, Saddam Hussein and oil! We were provided with snacks and drinks and had an opportunity to talk and play with the children afterwards. The children, as always, seem to gravitate towards Trevor, who is now known as the great arm wrestler, after defeating 5 of the boys in one go!!
The days visits inspired and encouraged, as well as making us feel uncomfortable at times, questioning the benefits we bring, knowing there is so much more to do.
Day 5: Journey from Bangalore to Mysore
Trevor Lynn:
Quote of the week: Everyone onto the pavement, oh sorry there is no pavement.
Color, camels, elephants, inspirational people, controversial speakers, crows crowing, pollution sirens,strange birdsong,fruity massages, amazing architecture, cultural and spiritual experiences, planes, trains tut tuts, dogs barking, networking jungle spray, one Bollywood star one powercut and so far so good no Dehli belly.
Today the group was joined by the seriously jetlagged Clif prior. Our benefactor and financial guru. Its 6.50am in Bangalore and the group is preparing for a train journey leaving Bangalore (known as the garden city named after the year long show of sequential blossoming trees designed at the behest of the Maharajah) to Mysore to stay at the famous green hotel. But for me a special trip first to visit Unnati which helps educate underprivileged youths and preserve traditions in the city. I was invited earlier in the week by them as a possible partner to launch a Mow & grow India….The group have an incredible ability to train and employ 30 students every 3 months in English , tailoring, customer services and various other life skills.100% of students who reach the end of the 3 month course gain employment….its an impressive figure, and the students I met amazed me
One girl stood up and explained how good her teachers were and was incredibly grateful to be on the course, she then went on to tell me of her troubled life which caused her to cry. She recomposed herself, carried on and received and huge round of applause from everyone in the room.
On returning to the main group in the nick of time we experienced our first train station and a great train journey (3 hours to Mysore). Cliff grabbed a few ZZZZ’s as did much of the group whilst Steve charmed us all with his double Mandolin tape of Indian music he’d found and his own harmonica train tune…..At Mysore we travelled by jeep convoy, to the Green hotel where we were greeted with flower garlands, and a coconut!!!!!
That evening we were joined by Stan Thehaekara. His speech was to provoke a mixed response many heated going on into the night.
My lasting thought for today as I write this was how fantastic this group of social innovators are. I feel the benefit of 20 different opinions has magnified my learning 20 times..
So to she who never leaves her rucksack, seagull lady , liverpool kits duo, jetlag cliff, just do it, big camera,lady social filmmaker’castle accent gal, fruity boy, snake scared man, laptop lady (of whom this blog was created on, welshman, toy lady, and the compassionate and thinking couple, may \I must say you’re an amazing group….I thank you all for being the best companions one could ever wish to travel with…
Kind regards
Magic Uncle and his elastic bands……
Quote of the week: Everyone onto the pavement, oh sorry there is no pavement.
Color, camels, elephants, inspirational people, controversial speakers, crows crowing, pollution sirens,strange birdsong,fruity massages, amazing architecture, cultural and spiritual experiences, planes, trains tut tuts, dogs barking, networking jungle spray, one Bollywood star one powercut and so far so good no Dehli belly.
Today the group was joined by the seriously jetlagged Clif prior. Our benefactor and financial guru. Its 6.50am in Bangalore and the group is preparing for a train journey leaving Bangalore (known as the garden city named after the year long show of sequential blossoming trees designed at the behest of the Maharajah) to Mysore to stay at the famous green hotel. But for me a special trip first to visit Unnati which helps educate underprivileged youths and preserve traditions in the city. I was invited earlier in the week by them as a possible partner to launch a Mow & grow India….The group have an incredible ability to train and employ 30 students every 3 months in English , tailoring, customer services and various other life skills.100% of students who reach the end of the 3 month course gain employment….its an impressive figure, and the students I met amazed me
One girl stood up and explained how good her teachers were and was incredibly grateful to be on the course, she then went on to tell me of her troubled life which caused her to cry. She recomposed herself, carried on and received and huge round of applause from everyone in the room.
On returning to the main group in the nick of time we experienced our first train station and a great train journey (3 hours to Mysore). Cliff grabbed a few ZZZZ’s as did much of the group whilst Steve charmed us all with his double Mandolin tape of Indian music he’d found and his own harmonica train tune…..At Mysore we travelled by jeep convoy, to the Green hotel where we were greeted with flower garlands, and a coconut!!!!!
That evening we were joined by Stan Thehaekara. His speech was to provoke a mixed response many heated going on into the night.
My lasting thought for today as I write this was how fantastic this group of social innovators are. I feel the benefit of 20 different opinions has magnified my learning 20 times..
So to she who never leaves her rucksack, seagull lady , liverpool kits duo, jetlag cliff, just do it, big camera,lady social filmmaker’castle accent gal, fruity boy, snake scared man, laptop lady (of whom this blog was created on, welshman, toy lady, and the compassionate and thinking couple, may \I must say you’re an amazing group….I thank you all for being the best companions one could ever wish to travel with…
Kind regards
Magic Uncle and his elastic bands……
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Day 4: Visit to EnAble India from Ruth
Imagine a world without limits
where the mind is set free
where there are no barriers
where there is inclusion
where there is respect for what I can do
where there is belief in my ability
where I can stand proud and indeendent
let's work together and make it reality.
This poem on the wall of the staff room of EnAble India sets the tone for the whole organization.
Founded in 1999 by Shanti Rhahavan and Dipesh Sutariya to enable disabled people in India to find employment, the organisation now helps blind,hearing impaired and other disabled people all over the country to find meaningful employment and achieve economic independence.
Shanti was our host today and explained that the inspiration for starting the organisation resulted from her brother's diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa and his eventually becoming blind. Although he was a bright young man, a graduate with great potential, he was turned down after first interview for 70 jobs. He eventually achieved a good position through his own efforts and now follows a career with big companies like Tata and IBM.
Shanti inspired him by helping him to see that becoming blind did not prevent him from doing a range of exciting and new activities- snorkelling,kayaking,rock climbing- things he had never done before. She has subsequently been the inspiration behind Enable India and today she truly inspired all of us!
In India today, there are estimated to be:
where the mind is set free
where there are no barriers
where there is inclusion
where there is respect for what I can do
where there is belief in my ability
where I can stand proud and indeendent
let's work together and make it reality.
This poem on the wall of the staff room of EnAble India sets the tone for the whole organization.
Founded in 1999 by Shanti Rhahavan and Dipesh Sutariya to enable disabled people in India to find employment, the organisation now helps blind,hearing impaired and other disabled people all over the country to find meaningful employment and achieve economic independence.
Shanti was our host today and explained that the inspiration for starting the organisation resulted from her brother's diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa and his eventually becoming blind. Although he was a bright young man, a graduate with great potential, he was turned down after first interview for 70 jobs. He eventually achieved a good position through his own efforts and now follows a career with big companies like Tata and IBM.
Shanti inspired him by helping him to see that becoming blind did not prevent him from doing a range of exciting and new activities- snorkelling,kayaking,rock climbing- things he had never done before. She has subsequently been the inspiration behind Enable India and today she truly inspired all of us!
In India today, there are estimated to be:
- 70 million people with a disability
- 12-20% of these are visibly impaired
- 80% of those are as a result of glaucoma
- only 2,200 disabled people gain employment each year
Shanti had a slogan. She said WDATGOPP is what they do which means We'll Do Anything To Get Our People Placed. They have already successfully placed 490 of their people into permanent employment over the past four years. The reason for this is largely Shanti's enormous commitment, enthusiasm, energy and personality. She explained the whole process of trying to change cultural attitudes and the incredibly innovative steps she takes to help the disabled people learn the skills they need and the employers to realise the benefits of taking disabled people into their workforce.
The issues she has to address:-
Society’s view of disabled people i.e, They are objects of pity and seen as ‘good for nothing’
Lack of awareness amongst companies of what talented disabled people can offer their companies.
The lack of jobs that disabled people can do (eg. because of access issues)
Disabled candidates have not been prepared for the workforce
Disabled candidates lack confidence
The lack of quality training for disabled people
Shanti said she had tackled these issues systematically. She considered how to create demand and looked at the supply/ demand mismatch. To create demand in companies she approached big corporates and worked collaboratively with them to indentify their needs which gave her the time to prepare potential candidates through training programmes she developed personally. She now regularly places graduated in High-Tech companies who in time are coming back to her to fill new positions as they arise.
For non- graduates Shanti has identified a number of other positions such as Brew master in a coffee shop or petrol pump attendant which are suitable roles for the hearing impaired. With the use of dry-wipe boards, communication with customers is achieved. This leads to a satisfied outcome when placing a deaf person in appropriate employment.
Shanti has many other ideas for future development but she said she doesn’t want to ‘boil the ocean’
This was a truly inspirational visit and we all came away filled with ideas admiration for what EnAble India has achieved
Day 3 (PM): Evening networking with social entrepreneurs - "It started with a fruity massage"
The evening’s activities began with a crowded minibus journey with people sat on each others laps and standing across each other. It was obvious from the complete lack of fuss that the group had clearly already bonded and felt comfortable in extremely close quarters. Discussions on the bus mainly revolved around mine and Alex’s new haircuts. During free time we had taken a trip to the hairdressers where we were both offered, but nobly declined a strangely expensive ‘fruity massage’. The haircuts were great though!
Day 3 (AM): Visit to Maya - "This is the business"
After an early breakfast we set off on another noisy journey through the bustling city of Bangalore India
(Greetings to A & L much love) Dave x
Monday, November 26, 2007
Day 2: A visit to Dream a Dream in Bangalore from Ruth and Penny
Sunday 25th November 2007
Our visit was with Dream a Dream, an organisation bringing life-skills programmes to children from vulnerable communities. DAD works on a partnership model with non profit organisations including the project we visited which was a BOSCO centre providing for young people at risk . BOSCO is an acronym which translates as ‘ organisation for the welfare of street children’ inspired by an Italian Father Don Bosco ( 1815-1888) who felt it was his mission to go beyond the church to carry out his work. The boys aged 13-17 years at this centre (about 70 of them) are accommodated, fed and have training programmes such as book binding, carpentry and sewing.
We are writing this having just returned from the Centre and our group of 20 are reflecting on the experiences of the day, including the input from Dream a Dream .
Some of the comments from learning journey participants include:
‘I laughed so much today my face hurts’
'It was great playing volleyball. I got all the hard skin off my feet!'
'I loved the interaction and I was so inspired by the natural talent (of the boys)'
'I had tears in my eyes several times during the day, sometimes from laughter sometimes from the pathos. '
'It was so overwhelming and it is only the first of many project visits'.
'We ended up finding out more about the BOSCO Centre rather than the work of Dream a Dream . I liked the way the young volunteers from Dream a Dream (some from Corporates in the IT sector) saw their involvement as a longer term commitment with the Centre , perhaps unlike volunteering in Business in the Community in UK which tends to do more one off inputs'.
We got a taste of Dream a Dream’s input . The art activity today (a simple idea to make a collage in groups) was set up by a professional Bangalore artist who is keen to inspire people to be creative. Another volunteer from a large IT company was arranging a trip in December to his office for a group of the boys to see what it is like.
We met a young man who is a law student who had just arrived to stay at the Centre for his holidays. He had come as a volunteer to give peer support and during conversations it became clear that he had been helped 13 years ago by BOSCO at another Centre. He was emotional when speaking about his past. He had been forced by his family as a child to beg and pick rags on the streets but was given the opportunity through BOSCO to have a place of safety and an education. Now in his third year of a Law degree he plans to become a criminal lawyer and in addition he is a painter and puts on a exhibition to sell his paintings. He said he doesn’t look back in life only forward.
Monday, November 19, 2007
3 Days to Go
Just 3 days until I get on the plane to India. My experience of getting a visa was my first taste of Indian bureacracy, I had to go to the Indian High Commission in Birmingham and started queuing at 6am, rumour and innuendo swept up and down the queue. By 8am I was at the door of the High Commission and by 8.15 a man gave me a ticket number 710. Once upstairs there was a counter like the supermarket deli at number 660 so only 50 people in front of me. By 10.30 I was at the counter handed over my form, passport and 30 quid and was told to come back at 3pm. I retreated to Unltd's Brum office and did some work and returned a little after 3 for another 1 and a half hours of internal queuing. In the end I reached the little window and my passport was returned to me with the holy grail of my Indian Visa. The India High Commission could do with an efficiency expert as they could issue twice as many visas in half the time with a few changes to the system, is this the shape of things to come I wonder!
It's cold and wet in Yorkshire, apparently over 35 degrees in India. Bags getting packed and mindset getting ready. Next stop the sub-continent.
It's cold and wet in Yorkshire, apparently over 35 degrees in India. Bags getting packed and mindset getting ready. Next stop the sub-continent.
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