Written by Lisa, India VMPC.….
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa
Collaboration is the key to making a long term, sustainable impact in communities, which is why the FutureSense Foundation dedicates its time in India to working with local schools. Through educational sessions at schools, FutureSense is able to reach future generations and inspire the United Nations Goals within these schools and the wider Palampur community. FSF India aims to work together with local communities to achieve the agenda of a more equal and secure world by 2030.
Working with the school principles and teachers ensures that the programmes are tailored to the needs of the school, community and are being created as a partnership. This ensures the longevity of programmes, commitment from the schools and enthusiasm from the teachers to continue creating positive changes for their students.
July 30th marked International Day of Friendship.
Volunteers in India worked with students to explore with them the values of friendship, discussing and learning about different types of respect. India faces many social and environmental challenges and volunteers were able to make an impact on the school communities by encouraging respect in all it’s different aspects.
Respect for women is a major challenge in India and by discussing how students can show respect for one another volunteers have empowered students with new skills and vocabulary.
Respect for the environment was also part of the discussion, considering the ways that humans and the environment can have a positive relationship together. Changing perspectives of how we consider the environment, each other and our whole world is vital to creating long-term change. Encouraging respect and friendship between humans, animals and nature we can change mindsets, understanding and build deeper connections.
By working within the school volunteers demonstrated their dedication to creating international friendships, showing respect to other cultures, people and each other and supporting the global community.
Global Citizenship.
FSF India places a high priority on exploring global citizenship with volunteers. The aim is to provide volunteers with a deeper understanding of global issues, their power in society and the many ways they can continue to create a positive global impact when they return to their home country. As volunteers gain first hand experience of inequality in India; the global citizenship discussions promote deep reflection on what they are seeing and feeling.
Connections are made to issues at home and in other countries and volunteers are encouraged to think about how they can contribute to spreading awareness of issues and making changes at home.
Positive ways to continue a global citizenship journey include: continuing to educate on global issues through the news, documentaries and further travel; making sustainable life choices such as reducing the consumption of meat and shopping at local markets; continuing to volunteer or donating to charities; getting politically active; and educating friends and family. Global citizenship is vital to the creating a world where everyone is working together to achieve UN sustainability goals for a more equal and secure world.
“If not now, when? If not you, who?” — Hillel the Elder
