Of toilets and self determination

We’ve seen a number of incredible programs during our time in India – projects that focus on income generation, sanitation and microfinance. But with every amazing story of individuals overcoming odds I’ve been struck by the states seeming abdication of responsibility for its citizens’ wellbeing. Social enterprises are meant to remedy the ‘market failures’ that impinge on society. However, those ‘failures’ that we witnessed: failures of gender equality, public health, sanitation, nutrition, etc. are within the purview of government (and NGOs), not enterprise; the failures that we’ve seen are failures of government, though they may have been compounded by market forces. Social enterprises are thus born to remedy conditions where successive governments have proven unwilling or inept. Social enterprises’ laudable efforts highlight the failures of the state and excuse its incompetence. Rather than seeking the systemic change necessary for functional, responsive government, many have taken the responsibilities on for themselves. This kind of initiative implicitly subscribes to the ideals of neoliberal empowerment: One is capable and responsible for determining one’s own wellbeing.

Mel Gray in her critique of the strengths perspective notes that empowerment is, “essentially grounded in the (neo)liberal notions of individual responsibility” and eschews almost any notion of collective responsibility. Liberal constructs place the burden of governance and thus wellbeing on the individual’s participation within a democratic system. Neoliberal constructs equate economic participation with democratic participation. Thus, the acceptance of welfare is tantamount to an individual abrogation of responsibility in a democratic society. Such notions excuse the state from responsibility to its citizenry and the collective from responsibility to its members.

Indeed, some social enterprises recognize the shortcomings of government and attempt to organize their employees/ members/ clients into politically substantial entities. BAIF in rural Maharashtra encourages its collectives to take up political issues locally and regionally. It remains to be seen if such efforts will have substantive results when the Indian political system has shown itself corrupt and unresponsive.

India’s leaders have been promising cures to a host of social ills and failing to deliver on such promises since the dawn of independence in 1947. Narendra Modhi and the Bharatiya Janata (BJP) were propelled to power in recent elections largely because of the Congress Party’s corruption and incompetence.  The public is primed for solutions to India’s long standing problems, and sanitation is of prime importance. As the Economist recently pointed out, Gandhi himself said that sanitation is more important than any revolution. On cue the BJP has promised to install 5.2 million toilets by September – nearly one every second. On another front, the Gates Foundation, an organization founded on the principles of combining social good with entrepreneurialism, created a joint venture with the government of India to develop “next generation toilets”; such toilets will be designed to provide sanitation to the 2.5 billion globally without current access to it. Even with all of the new toilets someone will still need to convince the populace to use them: Deep cultural aversion to such vitreous conveniences impede their adoption, even when access isn’t an issue. Unicef recently produced a campaign encouraging Indians to “take poo to the loo”.

Sewer systems have historically been initiated and funded by local governments (the Indus Valley Civilization show evidence of such systems from as far back as 2600BC).  Finally, it seems, it takes the efforts of international organizations and governments to provide the holistic, systemic changes necessary for the larger social good; sometimes the individual needs some help determining where best to find relief.

Prepared to practice social entrepreneurship in Jamaica

I am so thankful to been a part of this class!  I learned so much.  Here are some of my thoughts:

I can design a program that makes solar power accessible to more Jamaicans by integrating elements from the Annapurna Pariwar micro-finance project.  I would hold town hall meetings to educate people about how investing in solar power saves money on electricity in the long run.  I would also encourage people to form cooperatives with several other households in the community.  Instead of loaning out money, I could loan out solar panels.  Because solar panels are quite expensive, only one household would receive a solar panel each year.  The household that receives this solar panel would, instead of paying an electricity bill, pay our agency each month the amount that would have previously gone to the electric company.  Research suggests that when collateral is offered in exchange of a loan individuals are more likely to default, so the honor system would be used instead.  If the family defaults, other members from the cooperative would be responsible for picking up the bill for that month.  Thus, like Annapurna Pariwar, peer pressure would be used to make sure that clients follow through with obligations.  After the first year, a solar panel would be loaned to a second family.  Each family would continue to pay our agency each month the amount that they would have otherwise paid the electric company.  When the cost of the solar panel has been met by these payments, the family would own the solar panel.  They would continue to pay monthly payments to our agency for one year, so that the agency collects 10% interest on the loan which would go to maintaining the non-profit program.  After paying for the solar panel plus 10% interest, each household would no longer be responsible for making monthly payments.  However, they would still be responsible for paying bills in the event that other members of the cooperative default.  When all members of the cooperative own a solar panel, and have paid 10% interest to ensure continuance of the program, the cooperative would be dissolved.
Additionally, it would be easy to implement a micro finance program that directly imitates Annapurna Pariwar's loan system.  I could start by holding town meeting to inform people of the program.  People who want to join could form cooperatives with 5 friends or family members who they have long-time relationships with and a high level of trust.  The first year, the agency would loan 2,000 Jamaican dollars (a nominal amount) to each member of the group.  Our agency would work with the cooperative throughout the year to help the clients invest the money well.  The founder of Annapurna Pariwar considers education to be an essential component of the money lending process.  She not only lends money but also teaches people how to invest this money wisely.  When the year is over, clients would pay back the loan plus 10%.  The 10% would go to maintaining the nonprofit agency.  If individuals want to borrow more money in the future, they would be eligible for a loan in a larger amount because of the good credit history.  I can see how few people would default on these loans because the honor system is used instead of collateral, peer pressure is effective because clients do not want their loved ones to be responsible for debt that they have accrued and because clients should see that the relationship with the agency is more valuable than the amount of one loan.  In other words, a client who borrows 2,000 Jamaican dollars today can choose to walk away with that money or continue to build a relationship with the agency so that in several years, they qualify to borrow 70,000 Jamaican dollars, a substantial amount that can greatly impact the quality of one's life.
I can also alter the BAIF eco-tourism project in order to design an endogenous tourism package to improve livelihoods within the Maroon community in Jamaica.  Runaway slaves escaped to the mountains of Jamaica and formed the Maroon culture which to this day has been largely separated from greater Jamaican society.  I would love to spend time in the Maroon community, assess social issues, and design an endogenous tourism package that honors and preserves Maroon culture while bringing in a revenue to improve the livelihoods of community members.


I love you India!














                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

John Hannaberry's "My heart is a mad thief"

“My heart is a mad thief”

            In all honesty I was confused on what to write. I wanted to express the impact that some of my interactions with the locals have had on me, but I still lacked inspiration. Listening to the Jawhar presentation by our colleagues today I found what was missing. I realized how big of an impact the people of Jawhar in which I encountered, had on me. 

                                            

     

            Leaving the loud noises with the hustle and bustle of Mumbai behind us was well needed, yet I was still unsure what we were getting ourselves into. When I spoke with the locals in Mumbai, nobody knew what Jawhar was and it had me wondering if I was saying it right. All I knew up to this point to mentally prepare myself was that we were headed to the “Jungle” where there were lots of bugs.

            Along the narrow windy roads the smoke filled sky’s dissipated with the dirtiness of the city. As we went further up the mountain the sun ray’s cracked the clouds and shined upon vast countryside of green trees. This so called “Jungle” was a lush countryside that had endless views. The arrival to our new home for the next few days left me in ahh due to the beautiful scenery. We were greeted with big smiles and a parade of staff that were staring at us as if they never seen Americans. Along with our welcome came shouts and screams from the girls as the story of bugs came to reality. Nonetheless, something was different as the hotel staff interacted with us, but I couldn’t put my finger on it quit yet.

            

 The mornings became my favorite part of Jawhar due to the beauty that you awaken too. Yes, sharing a bed with a gorgeous 6’1 man with great “Jerry curls” doesn’t hurt to wake up next to but that’s not the view which took my breath away morning after morning. As you walk down to the hotels courtyard where you’re greeted by big smiles of the hotel staff you are also seeing the best HD channel nature has to offer with a view that stretches for miles. The first time on this trip I was able to inhale and appreciate what India had to offer me.

            My first interaction with a local came when a random individual pulled up to the BAIF building on a two-wheeler (motorcycle) and jokingly I asked if I could ride his bike. With a twitch of smirk he simultaneously reached into his pocket and tossed his keys. This had me in shock and excitement because he was fulfilling a wish I had set for myself coming to India. Sharing this ride with my classmate we were able to zip down the windy roads honking as we passed by. This was an invigorating feeling and a beautiful moment that not only my friend and I were able to have but also the man that made this possible. He was happy to have me ride his bike and never have I felt such generosity from a stranger. This became a very humbling moment and had me self-reflect on how I treat random strangers. It’s amazing how a simple act of kindness left a huge impression on my heart.

     Jawhar has shocked me in a positive way so far and it made me more excited to meet the tribal villagers. Learning that these people were lower than any cast opened my eyes to what real discrimination is. These were the forgotten people and the poorest amongst the poor. These people would migrate to the city of Mumbai looking for work because the lands they would farm were no longer fertile. The tribal villagers have great culture and arts that rest of India don’t appreciate, yet unknowingly they wear clothing that has tribal drawings. The village artist is one of the last and he holds the ability to capture the essence of who his people are through his drawings. I asked him if he can create something for me. I gave him artistic freedom and asked if he can capture the essence of me in his work. He was more than happy to create a unique drawing for me. When he delivered the drawing I slowly absorbed his detailed painting and admired the art he has created. Automatically I notice something different in his picture and that was the braids on one of the characters. He said to me that “I did this to capture everything that is divine, I see god when I see you and I depicted lord Shiva as a resemblance of you”. He went on to speak a few more things about me and the drawing. I overcame with amazement and appreciation. He said the people of Jawhar look at everything as godly. They don’t know the word “I” because everything is a “we” to them. Having these paintings done has been the best part of this experience. It was an eye opening opportunity that put everything into perspective for me, and how I would like to conduct my social work practice moving forward.

  

           

                                                                                                           

            I heard someone ask how I feel about these people. Followed up by a response that sometimes I don’t understand their dreams and difficulties, other times I see the same similarities in me. Going forward I asked myself what am I going to take with me into my social work practice and I feel that the response that was giving is the best because you’ll never know what your client truly goes through but we all been there to some extent and as long as we can see the upmost in every individual we would be able to serve them the best we can. Learning the difference between professional social work and charity has become even clearer after my time in India. My heart is a mad thief and I will take a piece away from every experience and interaction.

Moving from Community Organizing to Global Unity

Over the last year my thought process has shifted from analyzing the social issues from the perspective of the United States, to understanding how to address the disparity that exists in the global context. The question that was constantly turning at the back of my mind was what could I do on the ground to directly improve the lives of others in these impoverished countries. This was the issue that drove me to apply for for the global immersion India program in order to better understand how to impact the challenges that are being experienced by those in poverty in disadvantaged communities across the world.

However, what I did not expect was how this trip would serve as a catalyst in shifting my thinking from how to solve these problems to why such a global inequality exists. What kind of world culture have we subscribed to that has resulted in being comfortable with allowing other countries to be economically disadvantaged and detaching ourselves from a global responsibility or humanity. Rooted in the battle between want and need, I often feel as though we have left others behind in our never-ending desire for an economic advantage.  How can we in the United States want so many things while others still lack the basic necessities needed to survive. This concept truly hit home when our program coordinator Deepa told a story in which her response to the death of a child in the community was met with the comment, “Why are you crying? Children die all the time.”

This unfortunately is not just a simple issue between countries who have and have not, but one that also exists within these countries. This concept was highlighted while visiting a Palace located on a 500 acre cashew farm in Jawhar and its juxtaposition to the farming villagers we had met down the road. While the farmers are attempting to attain the maximum potential from their small area of land in order provide the essentials for their families, the owner of the palace sits lavishly miles away reaping the benefit of his land. The result of the inequality that exists in our culture most often results in disempowerment, while the inequality that exists within India and across the world can result in death of children. It is easy to say that we must first address our own problems in our country before we can help others, but how much do we want before we decide to address the basic needs of children.

While creating a global compassion for humanity that changes the way we live is not an issue that can be easily tackled, addressing the needs of children should be at the foundation. A commonality I observed during conversations and presentations by the Social Enterprise students of the Tata institute was providing support to children while also utilizing them as a vehicle of change. The two ventures that highlighted this focused on building community engagement through a toy library, and confronting gender bias’ by exposing young boys to the job responsibilities of women in the community. In order to change the future culture of the world we must start with not only providing children the support they need but also instilling the values that will change the systemic issues we face as a world. 

 One does not need to travel across the globe to find the suffering of children; it already exists across the border in Mexico. In addition to understanding what services to provide to illegal immigrants in the United States, or putting up fences up to lock them into this poverty, what types of social entrepreneurship opportunities can we begin to implement that are proactive and not reactive?

So how do we raise the bar for all of humanity and create global unity? There is no simple answer to this question, but we should be able to agree that children deserve the chance to be that change.

Nine things I learned while in India

#1- Driving is nothing like the states. not just in speed but in amount of rickshaws,2 wheelers, and cars on the road but also the use of the road. Why stay in one lane when you can drive in the middle of both for extra comfort. also you will be bombarded with constant honking to the point of submission, once you realize that India encourages honking, you will begin to understand (only maybe, sorta, somewhat) the logistics and flow of how it works.Honking is the language in which drivers all communicate on the road, avoiding accidents and jay walker deaths, which miraculously have yet to be witnessed. I have come to admire indian driving skills while simultaneously questioning the laws of physics (has anyone researched indian driving compared to u.s driving? are they better at mario kart?)

#2- Indian people I have come in contact with have been nothing but humble, gracious, and open. Customer service is replaced with genuine helpfulness. One day a couple of my classmates and I went out shopping and ended up in a nice mens clothing store. There we were given drinks, and escorted to a nearby restaurant as well as given directions to a nearby cellphone store, all without even asking which made me wonder, where the hell is the catch? the beautiful thing about india is there isn't one. people are wonderfully genuine here

#3-India is the place of extreme opposites. poverty and riches, majestic views and poor conditions. India cannot be pigeonholed into a single color. Instead India is like a buffet. You will like some things more than others, some things you will avoid completely and some things you will devour to the point of feeling overwhelmed and maybe a little nauseous (hi curry I don't think I'll be eating you much once I'm back in the states).

#4- You will be touched to the point of tears whether its due to the amazing inspiring figures you will meet (both through usc's collabs or on your own) the view (the view from jawhar palace left me breathless) or the conditions that plague india (poverty, children on the streets, caste system, ect) you will keep at least one memory in your memory bank that will last you until you are old and in a rocking chair telling your grandkids stories of India.those moments don't come often so experience India openly and let it impact you in the way it's meant to

#5- You will be perpetually sticky and sweaty, there is no way around this. Also, monsoon season came late for us students and now I understand what its like to be sticky sweaty and wet from the rain, all at once. Talk about sensation overload and total abandonment of maintaining any physical attractiveness (that poncho though)

#6-The idea of language as a barrier becomes nonexistent. All jokes aside, while being here I have come to realize that although hindi was the preferred language spoken over english, sometimes language was not neccesary at all. A smile, a nod, and body language cues has worked wonderfully. Furthermore, I am in awe of the ability for human connection regardless of any differences. Humans essentially function under the same scope of emotions, needs and basic wants. By maintaining this awareness, people cease to be viewed as mysterious and instead are seen as your allays, your fellow peers, friends.

#7- Some experiences here will trigger more than you expect. While visiting srujna, I was so touched by the hospitality of the women, and especially that of the founder kiran. While on lunch break I called her over and told her how similar our names were. She shook my hand and laughed, telling me I will love our name more after hearing her story. And I did. kirans strength and presence to do more for other and for herself left me overhwlemed with emotions. I saw so much of my mom in her prescence and wished teleportation machines existed so they could meet each other. I told myself that the minute I get back to the states I would share her life with my mom to start a domino effect. I will use their stories and wisdom to inspire the women I will come in contact with, social work related or not.

#8-Interacting with child beggars in the streets can be a double edged sword. I am willing to admit I am too emotionally inclined to homeless indivduals particularly children. therefore I tried to mentally prepare for the impoverished children I might come in contact with in India. However prepared I thought I might be I was still heavily impacted. while visiting the gate of India, a little girl came up to me no more than 5 years old. She asked for my shawl that i was wearing, which i kindly replied no. While bumping into her again outside she asked again and after declining an older woman came up to me and my classmate and wrapped flowers around our wrists. Touched and feeling guilty for nothing giving the girl my shawl and bent down and presented it to her. Accepting the flowers and giving the shawl led to them believing we would give more, so they began to ask for rice and milk. At this point we had a small group following ours with the little girl at the front tapping me and telling me to go buy them rice and milk. Her tone and mannerisms were teetering onto rude territory. Once she saw us walk past the rice stand she got upset with me and demanded money. GIVE ME MONEY she said, her small eyes expanding in size. Horrified,I imagined the 5 year old girls and boys I know in my daycare center, developing and exploring the world carefree. And here was this 5 year old acting 4 times her age, clearly angry that I was not shelling out more items for her, not providing her with basic needs. The idea of a child having to act in this manner pained me greatly. Her development and view of the world was already forming, one in which it was ok to beg and ask, in order to survive, even if it meant getting angry. This child had not been asked to be put in this reality, full of struggle and poverty. Feeling overwhelmed, I asked my roommate to quickly get me out of the street, because I could not handle it any longer. At first, I felt ashamed of the entire situation once it had transpired, partly due to letting myself get that upset and partly allowing more interaction which in their mind lead to them believing we would give them money or food. Child poverty is a real reality here as it is in other places, and although my approach looking back could of been different,its hard either way. Truth is it is a part of me to have a soft spot for children, struggling or not. Not only due to lack of possessions but more so the impact their lives can have on their emotional and physical development.Therefore child beggars are a double edge sword, Its impact can be emotional and even painful to experience it but you also cannot deny its impact on you.

#9- Lastly, traveling to India will change you regardless of our different walks of life's and perspectives.India is a place of extremes as I mentioned and those act as a catalyst within you. Witnessing everything india has to offer will cause you to introspect, and understand every part of yourself. In a sense maybe india is living breathing tangible analogy of what lies within ourselves. both light and dark. both good and bad. Different aspects coexisting and contradicting all the while remaining absolutely beautiful in its own way.

Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle

Before leaving for India, I was asked how I felt about the trip and my response was "I am very excited but nervous since I have never traveled anywhere like India/Southeast Asia." To my surprise India reminds me of many places I have been before, and furthermore countries and cities I never would have predicated.  Parts of Mumbai remind me of Los Angeles, specifically the juxtaposition between skid row and the gentrification that has occurred in Downtown and Little Tokyo.  It brought back the overwhelming feelings I experienced during our cultural immersion of "Is it even possible to fix such a monumental problem?" Visiting DNA and speaking with Yogesh Pawar helped to mitigate some of these disheartening feelings through his explanation of finding one's niche within the profession and utilizing your specialized skills.  He also emphasized the power and reality behind taking small steps to reach a larger overall goal, which has helped to offset the feeling of helplessness. Seeing the strength in the organizations we visited, specifically the strength and  resilience in the women was inspiring and also helped to decrease these feelings of helplessness.

Overall, Jawhar made me forget I was in India and I felt I was back in Costa Rica, because of the beautiful landscape, the contrast between simplicity and complexity of life in a rural area, and finally the genuine positive human nature in the people.  I realized that I did not expect to see such beauty in the landscape in India, especially  after the over crowded streets of Mumbai, and the general consensus of my friends and family's somewhat pessimistic views that they relayed to me.  Jawhar was a pleasant surprise and a necessary relief after being in such an over stimulating city.  The relationships we were able to form with the villagers and Ugewall provided us with a deeper connection and understanding of India that I was not expecting, but will always be extremely grateful for.  This genuine nature does exist in Mumbai as well, as people will come up to us without being asked to help us locate our destinations, as we pathetically attempt to ask rickshaw drivers.  This has happened many times, with no intention of something in return.  It is also endearing to see the locals become protective of us, and make sure we are safe and not getting cheated on prices.

India has also taught me even more about seeing past life struggles and appreciating beauty in various situations.  I was surprised that I did not feel as sad or affected by the extreme situations we experienced, and I attribute that to the resilient and happy spirit of the people.  This gives me an even greater respect for the organizations that are empowering others, because they are able to achieve such great things, with almost nothing. Despite  the conditions they live in, they continue to live, strive, and find happiness everyday.  These aspects have put things into perspective and has made me more optimistic of our conditions in America. I have learned that a smile goes a long way here, and is truly a form of universal communication.  When one of us smiles at a local, they almost immediately return that smile (This surprised me since this same interaction is not returned a majority of the time in various parts of Los Angeles). Although most Indians never smile in posed pictures, when we are able to capture candid photos, their eyes light up and their happiness is extremely evident.