Next week I will be travelling to Bangkok in Thailand to help facilitate a learning community around the topic of ‘Identity Based Community Development’.
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Over 60 representatives from all across Asia, representing the vast majority of countries on the map above, will be in attendance, sharing their experiences of development work. In particular they will be focusing on the ways in which they are trying to keep their identity (who they are as individuals and as a community) central whilst still engaging with development opportunities in appropriate ways.
In case you need a reminder of WHY that is important, here is a short video (that we’ve highlighted before!) that explains the importance of culturally relevant information for health issues.
Over 60 representatives from all across Asia, representing the vast majority of countries on the map above, will be in attendance, sharing their experiences of development work. In particular they will be focusing on the ways in which they are trying to keep their identity (who they are as individuals and as a community) central whilst still engaging with development opportunities in appropriate ways.
‘How do you welcome formalised schooling when the curriculum ignores (or in some cases contradicts) your cultural values?’These are some of the kinds of questions minority communities across Asia are facing. As such, the ‘Toyota Foundation’ is funding the event to encourage the sharing of experience between Asian countries. I think it is a great idea; there is lots of good experience in the areas of community development, relationship building and education that can be shared between contexts and countries, so long as it can be applied appropriately in each context. And that is what we want to explore in this event!
‘How can you best adapt innovative farming practices to complement your traditional methods without harming the environment?’
In case you need a reminder of WHY that is important, here is a short video (that we’ve highlighted before!) that explains the importance of culturally relevant information for health issues.
Please remember us all as we meet together. Lots of people will be travelling big distances to attend the event (most of them involving more than two modes of transport!) and will be away from their families/support structures for some time. It is my hope that this can be a really positive experience for all involved and that people can return to their homes feeling encouraged in their work and better equipped to address the needs of their communities.
As ever I will try (emphasis on TRY) to update our twitter account 'regularly' while away. Check for updates on this page or directly here.
As ever I will try (emphasis on TRY) to update our twitter account 'regularly' while away. Check for updates on this page or directly here.