Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information WE BUILD 2011 Summer Study Abroad/Volunteer’s Program 20th July – 20th August 2011 Bangalore, India Why an Alternative Summer Study Abroad program in India ? Bangalore, India Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka With an estimated metropolitan population of 6.1 million (2006), it is India’s third-largest city Bangalore is referred to as the Silicon Valley of India and accounts for 35 percent of India’s software exports Home to prestigious colleges and research institutions, the city has the second-highest literacy rate in the nation Bangalore is located in the heart of the Mysore Plateau at an average elevation of 920m Due to its elevation, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year Objective: This four-week program is designed as a co-curricular service-learning model, as it connects the theory taught in the school to the application used in the world It will not only give international exposure to students but also engage them through a labor intensive experience by building houses for the poor communities, interaction with the villagers, understanding caste system and other related issues of development Overall the program will introduce the students to the Indian society and culture by focusing on the three areas - culture, peace and development It will address the whole issue of Global Citizenship and engage students in action addressing issues related to children’s rights to education and poverty alleviation The students will also engage in a series of action-oriented projects with children and possibly with the tribal and rural communities: - Facilitate painting, singing and photography classes - Teach soccer, basketball, jump rope and other recreational games - Cook and serve food to children - Facilitate and participate in discussion forums at the World Youth Assembly 2011 - Teach English, Math and other subjects to the children World Youth Assembly 2011 (18th – 20th August 2011) (Venue: Bangalore, India) Increasing economic prosperity and social mores are transforming the attitudes and lifestyles of youth Consumerism and capitalism are converting youth into fast emerging key players in the overall emissions of greenhouse gases Young people therefore have a major responsibility, not just because of their voluminous contribution to climate change and unsustainable growth, but also because they are the ones that will face the repercussions of their actions when they experience the adverse impacts of climate Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information change in the future World Youth Assembly 2011 will let the youth prioritize their agenda for this century We are expecting more than 200 young people to participate Course Program Indian Culture, Development Issues and Experiential Learning (4 Credit Program) MODULE 1: Indian Life and Culture (1 Credit / 16 hours) - Contemporary India - Political and Economical Challenges in India - Caste System in India MODULE 2: Peace, Justice and Social Movements (1 Credit/ 16 hours) - Housing Reforms and Social Justice Movements in India - Children’s Rights in India - Education as an antidote to Poverty MODULE 3: Experiential Learning (2 Credit / 32 hours) - Build Homes for the poor - Teach Children - World Youth Assembly 2011 Time-wise break-up The time spent in India for the program will be about 32 days / weeks The break up is as follows: Program orientation day Culture and Development Seminar days Labor intensive activities - BUILD 10 days Excursion/Experiential Learning days Paper Writing & Programme evaluation days Youth Assembly days Total 32 days Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Tentative Itinerary Outline 20th July – 20th August 2011 20th July 21st July 22nd July – 31st July 29th July – 31st July 1st August – 10th August 11th - 13th August 13th – 16th August 18th -20th August 21st August Arrive in Bangalore, India Programme Orientation Indian Life and Culture, Development Issues in India Children rights in India Visit to cultural sites of Mysore and tribal settlement Project WE BUILD – building homes and an ecoresidential school, teaching and interacting with children Visit to Kerala, India Final Paper Writing & Program Evaluation World Youth Assembly 2011 Departure About Global Citizens for Sustainable Development (www.globalcitizens.org.in) Global Citizens for Sustainable Development (GCSD) is a registered not-for-profit and non-governmental-organization based in Bangalore, India GSCD MISSION: To engage and empower children, youth, men and women to sustain communities, cultures and societies while promoting improvement in their social, economic and environmental conditions through the notion of human responsibilities GCSD creates platform for children, youth, men and women motivated to bring a positive change at a personal, social and ecological level in their individual environment and their respective society for the progress of humanity GCSD creates a platform for youth, children and adults for creativity, innovation and compassion to transform the society GCSD believes that every individual has a capacity to change his/her attitude and behavior Everyone has the possibility to contribute in their individual capacity for creating a responsible, sustainable and united world GCSD through all its activities will foster moral and spiritual values regardless of caste, color, religion or gender and promote secular human values The Objectives of GCSD are: To develop and implement educational, cultural and economic programs to empower under-privileged sections of society, such as women, youth, and the urban and rural poor, in order to enhance their social, economic and cultural well being To develop health programs that reaches under-accessed communities and advocate for equality in access to healthcare for these populations To provide educational assistance to deserving children in slums and rural areas and organize programs for overall development of children in need To promote all manner of cultural activities that will serve to enrich the lives of people in rural and urban areas Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information To promote Cross-Cultural understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures of the world and with focus on Indian life and culture through educational excursions and volunteer work To create a society of “Global Citizens” A well-informed and committed group of young people with a clear vision about intercultural understanding in a world where local and global issues are intertwined and the notion of “Think Global, Act Local” is promoted through various activities To foster peace initiatives, good governance and sustainable living for bridging gaps Global Citizens for Sustainable Development work focuses on the following areas of social intervention: Youth Leadership and Youth Empowerment: Capacity building for children and youth from around the world, credit and volunteer programs for students from Peking University (China), Oberlin University in Japan, University at Albany (USA), St Josephs College (India) and many others Peace and culture: Building civil society capacities towards inter-community harmony For example, working with peace committees in communally sensitive areas; promoting inter-religious understanding and harmony; organizing cultural festivals around the theme of peaceful coexistence with society and nature; providing platform for people from around the world to meet and learn from each other and so on Ecology: Advocacy on environmental issues in the country and the region, dealing particularly with Climate Change Some examples include the looming global water crisis, restoration of water-bodies, roof top rain water harvesting, and water conservation Organic farming and vermi-composting, are part of this advocacy, as well as promoting organic farming among local farmers Development: Working with farmers, women and youth on issues of ecological agriculture, health, hygiene, economic and food security; responding to the crisis of HIVAIDS; and so on International workshops and networking on civil society issues: GCSD has organized workshops, film festivals in different parts of US and Asia on themes such as, Climate Change, Water, Youth and World Governance, etc GCSD also helps to network organizations through the World Youth Water Alliance, Asian Youth Climate Network, and Asian Citizens Alliance Publications: GCSD will print a series of publications every four months for the Forum for a new World Governance program and that is distributed all over Asia Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information GCSD International Projects World Youth Water Alliance (www.wateralliance.org) China-India Forum (www.chinaindiaforum.org.in) Japan-India Forum (www.japanindiaforum.org.in) China-India-Japan Forum Asian Forum for Cross-Cultural Dialogue Asian Citizens Assembly 2011 (www.asianassembly2010.org.in) About St Joseph’s College (www.sjc.ac.in) For the past 127 years, St Joseph’s College has been imparting graduate, post-graduate and research education to all types of students The college is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council In 2004, the college was declared as a college of potential excellence by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, along with 47 other colleges in the country After examining the academic level of the college, St Joseph’s was declared as an autonomous college by the Karnataka Government in 2005 on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi About University at Albany (State University of New York) (www.albany.edu) Strategically located in the state capital of New York, the University at Albany is an internationally recognized public research institution that brings "The World Within Reach" to nearly 18,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels The varied perspectives and life experiences of a student body and faculty that represent more than 100 nations provide a diversity that enriches learning at UAlbany Students choose from 125 undergraduate majors and minors and 120-plus graduate programs Many of these programs are nationally ranked, among them criminal justice, information technology, public administration, social welfare and sociology UAlbany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ranks number one in the world Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Faculty · Prof Siddalingiah, former Dean of Social Sciences at Bangalore University, author of several volumes on social issues He is one of the most influential academic, literary and public figures in South India Presently the chairman of Kanada Development Authority · Prof Manu Chakravorthy is Professor of English in a college of Bangalore University and is a prolific writer on varied subjects like literature, cinema, music, culture, women's studies etc He is also a visiting Professor at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore for the "Tracking Creative Boundaries" course for the final year MBA students He was a referee for the Central Sahitya Akademi Award (Indian Academy of Letters-2005) and referee for the Karnataka State Sahitya Academy award (Karnataka Academy of letters-2000) · Prof Jyothi Sahi is a renowned artist with numerous shows to his credit At present he is running a unique institution, the Art Ashram that attracts numerous visitors He has been lecturing on art in different institutions for a long time · Prof Ruma Sen is an Associate Professor of Intercultural Communication and Media Studies at Ramapo College of New Jersey She has a Ph.D in Communication Studies and Masters degrees in International Development and Communication She has worked in a range of professional fields including women’s empowerment, rural development and consulting for international development funding agencies Her current research focuses on Indian cinema and media and the role of globalization in the construction and flows of Indian culture At Ramapo, she teaches a course on globalization and Indian culture · Ms Bhargavi S Rao is a Trustee and Coordinator of Educational Programmes at Environment Support Group She has worked in the Dept of Microbiology and Cell Biology of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and as a lecturer in the BMS Women's College She coordinates She now works as Co-Country Coordinator and Faculty of the "Cities in the 21st Century" and "Health and Community" courses of the International Honours Programme, USA and teaches on other International study abroad programs coordinated by ESG in Bangalore · Dr (Fr.) Ambrose Pinto is a Jesuit He is a Professor of Political Science and the Principal of St Joseph's College As an academician, he has authored two books and edited eight His special fields of interest are affirmative action, globalization, democracy and human rights He contributes to academic journals, newspapers and magazines on contemporary issues · Dr Duarte Baretto, former deputy director of the Indian Social Institute, Bangalore Specialist on history of development in India and impact of globalisation on the poor Presently heading the NGO, FEDINA which works very actively in South India addressing several social and development issues · Dr Matthew Philip, a human rights activist and Executive Director of SICHREM seeks to empower the disempowered groups of dalits, tribals, women, children and minorities to protect their individual and collective rights for a dignified life, through education, monitoring and mobilizing civil society for concerted action Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information · Mr Joseph Matthai is the Director of the Habitat Resource Center based in Bangalore, has a vast experience in community development projects and housing sector particularly · Dr Santha Kumar is an executive coach and US trained psychotherapist who partners with clients to bridge gap between where they are to where they want to be Santha has considerable international and multicultural experience; he has lived, worked and studied in Asia, Europe and the US · Mr Anugraha John is the Director of Global Citizens for Sustainable Development, a youth leader and activist promoting the idea of Global Citizens He is presently on the Youth Advisory Board of the UN-Habitat and has facilitated several sessions in many colleges and universities across the globe on environmental and development issues · Ms Lucinda Hartley is a registered Landscape Architect with extensive experience in international development and a diverse project experience across Asia and Pacific Lucinda is currently the Executive Officer of Architects without Frontiers Australia, a non-profit architectural and urban design studio providing pro-bono professional services to communities in need in the Asia Pacific Region She also sits on the youth advisory board of the UN-HABTITAT · Ms Sangeetha Raju is presently working in the capacity of Programme Coordinator of the GCSD She holds a Bachelors of Technology Degree in Electronics and Communication from the University of Kannur in Kerala Her schooling in Kuwait has given her an International exposure on inter-cultural issues She has worked in the capacity of a Quality Analyst and Team Lead in an MNC in Bangalore · Ms Sevelina Trifonova a graduate from the US now living in Bulgaria, has done a Study Abroad Program in India She will act as a cultural liaison to the students in assisting them acclimate to an Indian lifestyle Credits Evaluation This will be jointly done with GCSD and faculty of St Joseph’s College in Bangalore, India and/or University at Albany (State University of New York, USA) After completion of the program you shall receive credits from St Joseph’s College, Bangalore, India and/or University at Albany (State University of New York, USA) Accommodations Comfortable single and double rooms, each with bath, are available at Visthar (www.visthar.org) where students will be initially staying Visthar has conference halls, outdoor meditation centers, walking paths, computers, a library and documentation center that are at the disposal of the students From there, students will move to a comfortable Guest House in Gauribidanur During field trips accommodations will include educational institutions or small hotels (Mysore – Hotel Siddhartha) with equivalent facilities Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Excursions and Field Trips Visits to historic and cultural sites and field trips to development projects around Mysore, Alleppey, Kerala (Venice of the East) and Bangalore are also included Total Program Cost – Study Abroad Program USD $1700 / EURO 1150 Price Includes: - Food and lodging (31 days) - All transportation costs in India during the program - Preparatory costs, Tuition fees and administrative costs - Field trips and excursions - Resource persons - Contribution towards the project, WE BUILD and other NGOs Price Does Not Include: - Indian Visa and/or travel insurance - Airfare to and from Bangalore - Any travel before or after the program Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information WE BUILD 2011 Tentative (subject to change) Program Schedule 20th July – 20th August 2011 Wednesday, 20th July Arrive in Bangalore, India / Arrival / Welcome / Rest Dinner at 7:30 pm Stay at Visthar, Bangalore Thursday, 21st July Welcome and flower-mandala ceremony Morning: Programme Orientation - General information on the WE BUILD program • Self introduction • Introducing Global Citizens for Sustainable Development • Introducing key instructors • Discussion on cultural "Dos and Donts" (dress code, ways of greeting, possible areas of cultural miscommunications, etc.) • Guidelines on health, hygiene precautions • Explaining dietary regime • Explaining trips into town (bus timings and maps) • Interaction with faculty members: Dr Santha Kumar, Mr Anugraha John, Ms Lucinda Hartley, Fr Ambrose Pinto, Prof Siddalingiah, Ms Sangeetha, Dr Ruma Sen and discussion with students on the key question "What we expect to get out of this program, WE BUILD 2011?" • Explaining the course outline • Course related films (feature/documentary) and GCSD Reader • Explaining class schedule and experiential learning Component The mornings will comprise two sessions with a tea break in between Except on a few days afternoon sessions will be devoted to readings from the GCSD Reader and writing of assignments 1st session: 10:00 am - 11:30 am 2nd session: 11.45 am - 01.15 pm 3rd session: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Break - Sunday Breakfast - 08.00 am; Morning tea - 11.30 am; Lunch - 01.15 pm; Evening tea 04.00 pm; Dinner - 07.30 pm Daily yoga classes by experienced teacher Sports and fun: Volleyball, chess, scrabble, and other Indian outdoor games The creative urge: Pottery, photo-club, gardening, writing, literature, etc o o o • • • • • Afternoon: Visit Bangalore city and welcome Ceremony at Living Hope Children’s Home, Bangalore center Evening: Bollywood film: ‘Tare Zameen Par’ Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Friday, 22nd July Morning: Prof N Manu Chakravorthy / Prof Ruma Sen: Contemporary India Saturday, 23rd July Prof Japhet: The Dalit Movement/ Caste system Sunday, 24th July FREE DAY Monday, 25th July Visit to Art Ashram and session with Prof Jyoti Sahi on "Art and Social Transformation" Tuesday, 26th July Dr Duarte Baretto: Indian development in the evolving context of Global Economy Wednesday, 27th July Morning: Fr Ambrose Pinto: Education system in India & Reform in India through Education Afternoon: Dr Mathew Philip: Child Rights & Child Labour Classes to be held at St Joseph’s College, Bangalore Thursday, 28th July Ms Bhargavi Rao – Environmental movements in India and Innovative methods of Environmental Education for children Afternoon: Session by Mr Joseph Matthai and Habitat for Humanity Bangalore team on - Housing and its Challenges Session by Ms Lucinda Hartley & Mr Anugraha John on - Agenda of the UN-Habitat and its Policies on Housing & the role of youth Friday, 29th July Leave for Mysore by van Morning: Visit Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace & Somnathpur Keshava Temple Saturday, 30th July Leave for H.D Kote by van Visit a poor tribal village (H.D Kote) Interaction with children at the tribal school (GCSD supports and works with this tribal school) Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD 10 Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Evening: Screening of a documentary on "Jenu Kuruba Tribals of H.D Kote" Discussion on the village visits Stay at Hotel SIDDHARTHA, Mysore Sunday, 31st July Morning to Afternoon: Visit Mysore Palace & Market Evening: Leave for Gauribidnur via Bangalore Stay at Gauribidnur Guest House, Gauribidnur Monday, 1st August Morning to Afternoon – Site Orientation and Interaction with the community Evening: Welcome Ceremony at Living Hope Children’s Home Gauribidnur Center Tuesday, 2nd August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Wednesday, 3rd August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Thursday, 4th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Friday, 5th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Saturday, 6th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Sunday, 7th August Free day OR Optional: Visit to Lepakshi temple, Andhra Pradesh Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © 11 Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Monday, 8th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Tuesday, 9th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD - Working on site from am – pm Evening 7:00 – 8:00 pm interaction and teaching children at the Living Hope Children’s Home Wednesday, 10th August Final Day – House Warming ceremony Thursday, 11th August Morning – Free time Afternoon - Leave by train (overnight train Bangalore to Cochin) Friday, 12th August Visit Cochin - Chinese fishing net - Cochin fort - Jew town and Synagogue Evening drive from Cochin to Alleppey Stay at Akkarakkalam Memoirs, Alleppey Saturday, 13th August Nehru Trophy Boat race (http://nehrutrophy.nic.in/) Alleppey Leave by train Cochin to Bangalore Sunset cruise at the backwaters Cultural performance – Classical Dance Drama - Kathakali Dinner at Lake Palace Resort and Interaction with Mr Thomas Chandy (Member of Legislative Assembly) Sunday, 14th August Alleppey Free time to enjoy the backwaters Optional: Ayurvedic Massage Leave by train Cochin to Bangalore Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD 12 Global Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Monday, 15th August Paper Writing Tuesday, 16th August Paper Writing Wednesday, 17th August Afternoon: Program Evaluation by Ms Sangeetha, Prof Siddlingiah, Fr Ambrose Pinto and Mr Anugraha John Evening: Closing Ceremony Thursday, 18th August World Youth Assembly 2011 Friday, 19th August World Youth Assembly 2011 Saturday, 20th August World Youth Assembly 2011 Sunday, 21st August Students will leave for their respective countries Please not upload this document on public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © 13 ... Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information change in the future World Youth Assembly 2011 will let the youth prioritize their agenda for this century We are expecting... public websites or blogs without prior approval of GCSD © 11 Global Citizens for Sustainable Development - WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information Monday, 8th August Morning to Afternoon – BUILD -. .. Citizens for Sustainable Development – WE BUILD 2011 Study Abroad Information GCSD International Projects World Youth Water Alliance (www.wateralliance.org) China-India Forum (www.chinaindiaforum.org.in)