tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9630383791859494142012-02-11T11:43:13.756+10:00supporting participatory development of sustainable communities in IndiaShivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-88479607258177722032012-01-28T22:26:00.005+10:002012-01-28T23:37:24.396+10:00

Chaina Mahato and Shanta Mahato are two women on the Prabhat Alloi team in India.  Both work as Self Help group workers, supporting women's micro-finance projects.  Chaina is also the school principal, and Shanta is the Assistant Principal as well as a qualified nurse, assisting our homeopathic doctor with her twice weekly free clinic. Both Chaina and Shanta are passionate about working

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-60125060031087670442012-01-28T21:57:00.000+10:002012-01-28T21:57:03.574+10:00

Spacious and light, the new prosthetics factory in construction The building was designed by Paul Williamson, who worked as a volunteer builder in the villages for three weeks last month.  Thanks to the Warrandyte community in Melbourne, and all the businesses who supported their fundraiser, we are now well into the construction of the factory.  The plan is to have an office in Purulia that

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-84693399492946106702012-01-26T22:14:00.001+10:002012-01-26T22:32:08.149+10:00

In December we celebrated the first anniversary of our school.  It was an amazing event, with VIPs invited and some coming, a huge pavilion set up as a podium for the VIPs to sit at, the hire of sound equipment, tea and snacks provided for afternoon tea, women in their very best or new saris - all the hallmarks of a Very Important Event!  What made it most wonderful was that so many villagers

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-47376433809162512302012-01-24T12:14:00.000+10:002012-01-24T12:14:48.405+10:00

In Tinku's village is a young boy who through Prabhat Alloi Inc has been receiving special assistance with his education.  He's a lovely boy, and is very dedicated to school - being just about the only student who comes every single day, and is generally the first to arrive in the morning!  Tinku also arranged for him to have a bicycle so he could get to school more easily.  Late last year I

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-68993365337288599942012-01-23T07:56:00.000+10:002012-01-23T07:56:32.100+10:00

The other day I met someone who wanted to know how this all began, and encouraged me to tell my story.  Here it is... (scroll down for photos at the end - warning, there are images of people who have since died) I was first asked to go to West Bengal as a community filmmaker, to make a short documentary about a health project, all expenses paid. Which I did! While I was there I met a woman who

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-75322318768627254602012-01-23T06:40:00.001+10:002012-01-23T06:42:25.113+10:00

To learn more about this trip, you can email me at movinglens@gmail.com. (Shivanii)

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-51770677529035595062012-01-23T06:18:00.000+10:002012-01-23T06:18:03.448+10:00

I've just been looking through the blog since it began on new year's day in 2010 - only two years ago! and I can see there are lots of gaps, especially now as so much is happening.  I'm going to do a lot of posting to catch up and complete the picture as much as I can as quickly as possible!

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-23393953402929346962011-12-21T17:57:00.000+10:002011-12-21T17:57:53.516+10:00

Our two volunteers, Amanda and Paul, are staying on for three weeks after the group visit to do some work in the villages.  Amanda is teaching English to different groups - the staff at school and the Chhou dance boys (two groups - big and little).  She is very much in demand as a teacher and it is very exciting to watch everyone opening up with their developing confidence in speaking English. 

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-49864523529339458812011-12-21T16:57:00.000+10:002011-12-21T16:57:21.533+10:00

Our second group visit has just been completed.  Three people came from Australia - Nep Todd and Paul Williamson from Maleny and Amanda Buttenshaw from Brisbane.  Paul and Amanda are staying on as volunteers (see next blog entry).  Highlights of the visit included the time in Sundarban visiting villages and experiencing a boat tour through the islands, the visit to Bodhgaya and the temple on the

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-43279931150102851922011-12-14T23:59:00.044+10:002012-01-16T21:35:25.409+10:00

While I was in India recently, the founding stones were laid for construction of a small prosthetics factory in the village in Dabar, where the Prabhat Alloi project is based.   There are many people needing prosthetic limbs, not only in the local district but from far afield, and our manufacturing business will not only provide a sustainable source of income and support the development of a

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-90571442023404515982011-12-10T00:43:00.001+10:002011-12-10T01:03:13.355+10:00

I'm writing from Purulia, where I'm spending the next few weeks having just finished hosting the group visit to our area and projects, with three people coming over from Australia. One of our first priorities on this trip has been to meet our new homeopathic doctor who is setting up a clinic in the school afterhours twice per week.  It was delightful to meet Soma Dutta, who is dedicated in her

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-23442387318961734842011-11-12T13:15:00.000+10:002011-11-12T13:15:31.824+10:00

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-63078709231715139222011-11-06T16:26:00.000+10:002011-11-06T16:26:48.087+10:00

Well, I was going to give some tips, but just thought Falu might not want me to give them away on her behalf!! I will say, though, that her garam marsala, lila marsala and curry powder are the best, and all the dishes we made together at the two workshops and that I have made since from her recipe book are really divine! Thank you, Falu and Mike, for your love and generosity in giving us your

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-87771375594764051922011-09-29T17:15:00.000+10:002011-09-29T17:15:57.855+10:00

  This is going to be a really great event - we are preparing a 10 course meal together and sitting down to eat it for lunch!  and before that, an accelerated learning course on Ayurvedic lifestyle principles with Falu Eyre.  If you are in or near Maleny and would love to join us, we still have some places left, so email me (Shivanii) at movinglens@gmail.com if you would like to be part of it! (

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-46669149080840839862011-09-12T15:55:00.000+10:002011-09-12T15:55:24.507+10:00

From Tinku in India - Hello didi, here I'm sending you the photos of the doctor and outside students and parents are waiting. The name of the doctor is Dr.Soma Dutta. In a week she is coming Monday and Thursday. Medicine also distributing free. This doctor sitting thing has really very helpful for the villagers. Many poor families are coming. First day there are 70 patients came and for this

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-51775315171822073952011-09-10T23:15:00.000+10:002011-09-10T23:15:44.175+10:00

The story of a fisher woman (case study) This is the story of a fisher woman named Astami Kaibarta, age 27 years. Her husband’s name is Asit Kaibarta. They have five children - two  boys and the rest girls. They are  living at Balaram Pur village, only one kilometer far from Dabar village, where we have our Prabhat Alloi Foundation. Her husband is a daily labourer, and he is earning very

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-61146676513799888342011-08-15T10:30:00.000+10:002011-08-15T10:30:19.305+10:00

Prabhat Alloi is preparing to apply for tax deductible gift recipient status, and there are a number of steps required for that - one of them being to set up a significant membership group.  We have decided to ask for membership fees of $11/calendar year (our year is 1st April to 31st March).  This will help us meet our monthly costs - at present we have $280/month in costs (mostly wages)

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-84263030920089825792011-08-13T11:02:00.000+10:002011-08-13T11:02:19.100+10:00

Our fundraising money is repairing the housing in the leprosy village, putting a new bathroom in our children's home and building toilets in our school - all desperately needed! Photos following soon...

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-86441928822635957442011-08-03T10:57:00.000+10:002011-08-03T10:57:00.139+10:00

In March we started sewing classes with handsewn quilts made of hexagonal blocks.  Over 15 people worked on the quilt that we finished (after a couple of 7-hour days!) and presented to Tinku's mother. Now three of my students are holding free Sunday classes for the villagers,  at the school, and 30 women and girls are coming along to learn! We're starting with a variety of designs, and will

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-29908564704105537002011-07-19T20:07:00.001+10:002011-07-19T20:16:56.686+10:00

We had a really great night - thanks to all who contributed - great music with Jacinta and Jenny, many contributions to the auction from friends and businesses, and wonderful generosity from the participants who went crazy outbidding themselves and raising the item values... thank you all! Here we are..Helen (Treasurer), CL (President), Shivanii (Director) and Brian (Secretary) - the Australian

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-38830728692600842832011-07-05T12:03:00.000+10:002011-07-05T12:03:17.330+10:00

Come and join us for a fun night!!

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-6164668709890304672011-06-05T19:50:00.001+10:002011-06-05T19:52:35.007+10:00

We had a full house, standing room only!  I was delighted to see my community really get behind us... Dominique Finney of MedicineRoom (www.medicineroom.net) MedicineRoom is building our medical centre with her donations of organic herbal lip balms to the value of $10,000 Paul Veit, who visited our projects and is now working with us...my co-presenter on the night! My

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-78382044249485557282011-06-01T20:11:00.003+10:002011-06-01T20:14:24.437+10:00

For those of us who live in Maleny, please note a late clarification for the starting time for our presentation tomorrow (Thursday) night in Maleny at The UpFront Club.  Meals will start from 6 (book a table on 5494 2592) and the presentation will kick off at 7. See the flyer below for more details!  meals from 6, presentation from 7...

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-32524446543453075242011-05-31T18:32:00.001+10:002011-05-31T18:33:20.810+10:00

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-36247606384585142562011-05-20T21:55:00.000+10:002011-05-20T21:55:06.152+10:00

checking out the women's pump and their crops Maxi with the Chhou dance makers at the Chhou dance... Jolie making friends the rickshaw tour of Purulia Maxi  helping to distribute the warm clothing at the leprosy village

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-44143825013350609752011-05-19T22:58:00.000+10:002011-05-19T22:58:53.153+10:00

The women's group is going well.  Tinku has given them access to some of his land, very fertile land near the river.  Funding was given for the purchase of a pump and pipes, and after digging a hole in the dry river bed so that water could pool there, they now have irrigation for their crops.  Every day the women are on the land in the early morning before it gets too hot, and they are

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-31194308419594837312011-05-18T21:07:00.000+10:002011-05-18T21:07:44.406+10:00

Tinku's beautiful art work on the school wall the meditation and dance circle

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-86922986966199355232011-05-16T17:34:00.000+10:002011-05-16T17:34:58.953+10:00

Just before our tour group arrived to visit the school, we had a very severe and very local storm that took the roofs off two of our buildings - major rebuild needed!  and not much for the visitors to see..... other than a palm tree with not much left of it!..... and a small group of students valiantly turning up despite the need to sit in the hot summer sun! Here on the right is the

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-29924392739568009222011-05-14T22:09:00.000+10:002011-05-14T22:09:27.909+10:00

Every time I go to India I pack my luggage with as many warm clothes as possible for distribution to the villagers.  This time the donated gifts were for the leprosy village. (Thanks, Jan, for your beautiful beanies and shawls, all hand knitted and given spontaneously from your market stall! Also thanks to the others who donated so that I had more than I could carry!)  This time 4 adults and 2

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-12486664817522298342011-05-14T21:56:00.000+10:002011-05-14T21:56:20.153+10:00

Photos of our quilt making - thanks for the sewing lessons, Ann! (see Quiltopia in Maleny, Qld) Sewing lessons are now happening at the school on Sundays - including teaching people how to read the numbers on tape measures.. first steps to literacy. sewing together in a tide of Bengali... Buri's first sewing experience 18 of us contributed to the quilt!

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-76492239169227939452011-05-04T18:08:00.001+10:002011-05-06T11:26:36.651+10:00

I just got back from India after my first 2011 visit.  This was a very successful trip, with six visitors joining us from Maleny, Australia (the youngest being 2 and 6 years old!).   Other than the tour, one of the key aspects for me for this trip was sewing!  I was lucky enough to sit with up to 18 women and girls (a few from our children's home joined us, and Tinku's 6-year old daughter, for

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-16046519530090111702011-02-25T11:24:00.000+10:002011-02-25T11:24:10.373+10:00

After our 3 BigPlan birthday parties/tea parties at Adelaide and Bendigo banks yesterday in Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane, we are now at a running total of 9 tea parties out of 50 completed, and $892.35 raised towards our goal of $2500. Thanks Terri, Dan, Julia, Ben and Bec for organising your tea party celebrations! What great synchronicity with wonderful projects!! I'm looking forward

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-57635170375197939062011-02-23T10:46:00.000+10:002011-02-23T10:46:48.976+10:00

We're going well!  We have 11 out of the 50 tea parties registered.  6 of those are complete. See the blog http://teaparties5050.wordpress.com for stories, pics and details. 5 more parties are being planned, and so far we have raised $680 of the targetted $2500.  Very exciting!! We are extending the time frame for this project until the end of April.  Do you know anyone who would love to host a

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-48691287295520498192011-02-16T11:54:00.000+10:002011-02-16T11:54:33.373+10:00

Why tea parties 5050??  50 tea parties, each raising $50 (a total of $2500) and with the 50/50 give and take of everyone having fun and helping to make a difference at the same time!!  Do you want to host a tea party ?  It doesn't matter where you are (we can handle international donations).  Our goal is for 50 tea parties by mid March 2011.  Details are on (another!) blog   http://

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-68383721657173283752011-01-31T11:20:00.005+10:002011-02-15T15:54:33.484+10:00

There are still opportunities to join the Ten Days in India tour, leaving Brisbane, Australia on 21st March.  We will take bookings up until the end of February.  Please contact Shivanii by emailing movinglens@gmail.com or phoning 0418 753 867. More information is on the website www.tinkusprojects.webnode.com

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-83789204035112035002011-01-31T11:13:00.000+10:002011-01-31T11:13:51.902+10:00

Today our school begins a new school year.  The students have successfully sat their exams and the results have been published.  As of today the school will be operating for extended hours.  We began with 2 hours per day last year and are now increasing to 4 hours per day, from 7am to 11am.  One of our next fundraising projects will be to raise the money to finish off the earthworks in our

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-70952863838665454872011-01-04T20:22:00.002+10:002011-01-23T22:42:44.981+10:00

I'm very excited that we have just been invited to link up with AMURT, an organisation that takes on international disaster relief and community building.   The link below will take you to their website... AMURT This heralds a new expansion for us in the line of  international communication. This connection has enabled me to get clarity on how we need to proceed in terms of being a charitable

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-46693316843030127512010-12-19T19:15:00.000+10:002010-12-19T19:15:26.501+10:00

My friend Prema has just shown me this link for Calearth building, inspired by the poet Rumi. http://calearth.org/galleries/earth-one.html I'm inspired and excited to think that we could have buildings of all types using this method made mostly from natural materials, and can see homes, classrooms, a community centre, medical centre .... whatever! in this style... really great!! 

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-76880149226710080462010-11-23T22:53:00.001+10:002010-11-24T10:12:04.662+10:00

For anyone who can be in Maleny on Monday 6th December, I'm planning an information night, just to show photos and dvd of Tinku's village and our projects in his area - also to talk about the planned ten day tour in India for March next year. It will be held at Margarete Koenning's Studio at 39 Maple St (behind Sweets on Maple - maybe we can call in there on the way to get sustenance for the

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-45061211503873876172010-11-03T19:52:00.001+10:002010-11-04T15:03:55.786+10:00

I was particularly excited in having my sister, Jenny, and my brother-in-law, Rana, joining me in Dabar on this trip.  Rana is from Bangladesh, so is a natural speaker of Bengali.  I'm not sorry to say that I purloined him as my interpreter, and we hastily arranged a number of meetings crammed into the week that they were there, so Rana was having to work hard! The three of us having 'adha' (

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-43254399464181925312010-10-31T23:12:00.006+10:002010-11-03T16:02:02.676+10:00

The five women in the group receiving the first loans - Mamata, Malabati (in grade 9!), Puturani, Nunibala and Karuna, with Tinku's mother sitting beside. In the villages around Purulia, as in many parts of India, particularly the poor rural areas, women are often regarded as having little value other than to work for the family.  In any public gathering in Tinku's village, for

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-17612600537572034872010-10-27T00:29:00.000+10:002010-10-27T00:29:14.655+10:00

I'm working with Tinku to plan a tour of parts of West Bengal, for 10 days in March, probably leaving around 8th.  As we get clear on the details I'll post them here, so keep watching!  The tour will include looking at our school and other projects in and around Tinku's village , as well as the many cultural feasts of music and dance in the area.  We'll visit Purulia and the local temples, and

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-41503565046274008612010-10-22T23:40:00.001+10:002010-10-22T23:41:28.073+10:00

“Swapathon” Evening is on again! for Prabhat Alloi Foundation School, India Yes, by popular demand.....you have an opportunity to be one of the lucky 30 women to attend this fun night, feast on Indian food,to concrete a school floor in India and to pick up some treasures…Would you seriously miss this??? WHEN : Thursday November 18…….6pm sharp LOCATION :  RobynRamsay,s home, 536 MOUNTAIN

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-35427651391302270112010-10-18T21:48:00.000+10:002010-10-18T21:48:20.956+10:00

Our school is revolutionary in our little village.  Not only do we have female teachers, but also a female principal!  Chaina Mahato is our principal.  I was proud to see her standing before the guardians of the nursery children, instructing them in how to support their child in doing homework and having the necessary equipment for school.  In Dabar village the usual sight is that in any

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-74765947023545791652010-10-18T21:04:00.000+10:002010-10-18T21:04:49.244+10:00

I've just come back from visiting Dabar village and seeing the school and the orphanage in action.  It was a truly amazing experience!  The school has only been built in the last few months, and walking in through the gate and watching the children arrive, seeing the class sitting under the tree, standing in front of the classrooms with open walls - it was like seeing the photos materialise

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-63442411806064766212010-09-03T20:55:00.001+10:002010-09-03T20:55:33.205+10:00

After the rain, the dam is full Planting out the new school garden Fetching water from the dam to water the new plants My friend Tinku! Classroom between lessons Waiting to collect children Celebrating a student's birthday

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-47457627478860060862010-09-01T23:11:00.000+10:002010-09-01T23:11:09.077+10:00

The funds have dried up but there is more work to do.

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-17622545492201804122010-09-01T23:04:00.001+10:002010-09-01T23:08:06.324+10:00

Outdoor classroom Another open classroom, concrete floor

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-35583516650014344942010-09-01T22:38:00.007+10:002010-09-01T22:59:07.730+10:00

Our students - girls and boys (the girls are sitting at the back, but not for long!) We've opened the doors to the school and begun classes, and unexpectedly over 150 students turned up in the first few days, with the numbers growing daily.  So far we have classes from Nursery to Year 3.  According to Indian custom, the girls are sitting at the back here, but you'll see in future photos that

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-2651987068826994392010-08-02T19:50:00.000+10:002010-08-02T19:50:11.329+10:00

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-6063330896349053392010-08-02T19:43:00.000+10:002010-08-02T19:43:54.977+10:00

This is what we're raising money for.  It is to be a school for the children of the 'untouchable' village of Loharsol in Purulia district, West Bengal.  These children have a school they can go to, but they are ostracised, so do not attend.  We want to raise $5000 to cover the building of the school, the equipment and some resources, as well as initial teacher's wages.  This will also help me as

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-15082289595157130132010-07-30T11:37:00.000+10:002010-07-30T11:37:45.294+10:00

Info and pics coming soon

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-42971231559749198272010-07-18T23:12:00.000+10:002010-07-18T23:12:38.532+10:00

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-30165199860227755332010-07-18T17:53:00.000+10:002010-07-18T17:53:07.503+10:00

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-26415044908984010442010-07-18T17:41:00.000+10:002010-07-18T17:41:36.640+10:00

I haven't posted anything for ages!  I almost forget how to do it.... sorry, Tinku!  Tinku is now working on building a new school, complete with dam for access to clean water, playground, teachers' accommodation, and a small adjoining medical centre for our volunteer (or waged?) visiting doctors and resident nurse.  I'm raising money for this and to equip the school with desks, chairs,

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-48830754445832528592010-05-03T21:21:00.000+10:002010-05-03T21:21:54.482+10:00

Our friend Kiriti, an excellent musician and singer, is riding his bicycle for several hours to give music lessons to the children, voluntarily.  There is no public transport where he lives, and he does not own a car. The children are learning to play the harmonium and to sing traditional songs. The mat they are sitting on was made in the snake village as part of our endeavour to help them to

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-50868015375908648522010-04-23T09:28:00.003+10:002010-04-23T09:33:58.852+10:00

 Have you seen our website ? http://tinkusprojects.webnode.com/

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-57800634553460954072010-04-20T13:24:00.000+10:002010-04-20T13:24:14.792+10:00

Tinku has sent me some photos and asked me to post them.  The children are having classes after school to supplement the limited education available in the school.  The extra classes include yoga lessons.  Also, Barun, our youngest one, has taken to dancing with Shibra, Tinku and Rekha's daughter.  Tinku tells me they dance for everyone before the meal.  You can also see Tinku's mother here

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-80327295010842205532010-04-16T18:56:00.001+10:002010-04-16T19:00:37.063+10:00

Today I met someone who told me it was nonsense to think that the people of the snake village cannot make snakes their business.  I was telling her about how they cannot earn so much money from begging these days, and are learning to grow their food.  She wisely said, "Well, we all need to eat!" But then she also said that there are lots of business approaches they could take, around tourism in

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-48010460287754388782010-04-12T11:09:00.000+10:002010-04-12T11:09:42.057+10:00

We would love to start up some micro-finance scheme for people in these villages.  Are there any readers who can advise us on some of the good projects that we might be able to work with?

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-47344474694932940922010-04-12T10:49:00.002+10:002010-04-12T10:52:44.348+10:00

Just an extra few photos to show the damage that was done by cyclone Aila when she swept through the area last year. Earth buildings are very strong and durable, but the wet building material takes time to dry out. We had just completed our last few buildings when the cyclone struck. The school/commmunity centre was the most hard hit This needs to be repaired/rebuilt so that we can begin

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-2882916058398585012010-04-06T11:16:00.001+10:002010-04-06T15:39:56.148+10:00

I know this is all over the place. We have our Dabar orphanage, the education project and the snake village, and I'm entering the information as the need arises. I hope it's not too confusing to the readers! As I get more familiar with managing a blog, we might get something that looks a bit more 'professional' or at least organised! But please bear with me for now as we are setting up all

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-73675917323637297622010-04-03T22:13:00.003+10:002010-04-03T22:35:00.822+10:00

While I was in Purulia in February, Tinku and I visited the snake village so that I could see for myself what progress had been made over the two years since I was first there. The thing I noticed immediately was an air of optimism and lightness, which contrasted markedly to the feeling of despondency and even despair last time. We went to see the houses that were built with the donated money.

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-43964047874554176572010-03-31T22:44:00.000+10:002010-03-31T22:44:31.717+10:00

Why do we call it the snake village? The actual name of this village is Loharsol. It is located seven kilometers from Purulia in West Bengal, and a five minute drive from Tinku's home in Dabar. And it is a village of snake charmers. To quote from Tinku's notes, "The name in local language is Baida. We refer to this village as "The Snake Village". Historically they are a nomadic caste,

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-46933241020962042672010-03-31T22:11:00.000+10:002010-03-31T22:11:34.669+10:00

I decided that when I came back to Australia I would show my holiday pics and raise money for the snake village. These people have so little, they couldn't even buy the powdered milk for the baby. It turned out that the old woman had tuberculosis of the bowel, and had been turned out of the home where she had been living. She was living in a straw hut like a cubby house, and was getting no

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-3195474321730673052010-03-31T17:52:00.000+10:002010-03-31T17:52:59.835+10:00

Two years ago, while I was working with Tinku on a film project, he was talking about how we had to buy some powdered milk to take to a baby boy in a village. The story is that the boy's mother had a lot of trouble in the childbirth, and the village had contacted Tinku when they realised that their snake medicine was not working.  Tinku, the only one who was supporting this village, rushed her

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-72447562193544941422010-03-24T23:33:00.000+10:002010-03-24T23:33:26.006+10:00

In Indian villages people often eat squatting on their heels.  We have started that way, and Tinku had one table built .....

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-27412969929933053692010-03-24T23:25:00.000+10:002010-03-24T23:25:56.310+10:00

Last Sunday Tinku wrote to tell me that they had all taken the children to the animal park.  (I don't know how they fitted into his van! - the usual way I guess, 5 to a bench seat).  Here are the photos he sent.  One (bigger than before!) happy family....here are some pics

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-27373772258597212432010-03-19T15:04:00.000+10:002010-03-19T15:04:51.451+10:00

My sister has just put a page, Children of India, on her beautiful website, Your Spiritual Guidance - thanks Jenny! http://www.your-spiritual-guidance.com/children-of-India.html

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-79866194220456984062010-03-18T09:46:00.007+10:002010-03-18T16:30:16.573+10:00

Good news!  We now have found sponsors for all our children in the orphanage (which means Tinku can breathe a sigh of relief!) What remains to be covered is the families in the education project, who only need $5 to $12 per month, and the monthly admin fees of $160/month (the tiny stipend for the two housemothers, Rekha's very minimal director's fees, a small fee for the teacher who works with

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-3075132720200656982010-03-15T21:48:00.000+10:002010-03-15T21:48:12.382+10:00

These photos were taken on the first day.  We were still working on the renovation. The rooms have been decorated to cover the bare concrete that hadn't been painted yet.

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-91763313065165490142010-03-12T23:16:00.004+10:002010-03-13T00:09:46.439+10:00

When I first started this blog I wanted to slowly unfold, in sequence, one by one, all the different processes we went through in starting up the orphanage. What I've found instead is that it is like untangling a bowl of spaghetti - you pull one strand and it all falls out in a bundle. So things are all out of sequence.When I arrived in Dabar I had two big cases full of clothing that had been

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-54081329159199085232010-03-10T23:36:00.003+10:002010-03-11T00:10:54.658+10:00

Several people have asked me how they can help. One thing is to sponsor a child. We are asking that if people wish to sponsor, that they commit to taking on a child for four years, so that we have some continuity. It is not that people are locked in, but if they have to pull out, we ask that they find a replacement. It is also possible to share sponsorship of a child, with several people

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-81219440185986836292010-03-07T22:36:00.000+10:002010-03-07T22:51:37.027+10:00

Today I was showing some friends some photos and video snaps from my time in Purulia, setting up the orphanage and distributing clothing to the village children. Two people have offered to sponsor children. (One of them is already sponsoring one, and is taking on an additional child!) Another two have said they will sponsor families under the Education Project. This is good news! Tomorrow I

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-42087686139403514112010-03-06T23:01:00.005+10:002010-03-12T23:12:53.292+10:00

When I first had the idea of an orphanage in Purulia (thanks, Landmark Education - specifically Introduction Leaders Program - for the inspiration!) I texted Tinku and suggested it. He wrote back immediately offering that we could start off in the old house next door to his place, which he had just bought. The house was built by his grandfather, and he estimates it is 150 years old. It was the

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-27434374451940771172010-03-06T22:55:00.000+10:002010-03-06T22:59:47.213+10:00

Get to the internet cafe in Purulia to check that the sponsorship money has arrived safely in the foundation account.Shopping for gifts for the children and camera tapes.After lunch check the work on the building.Meet with the villagers who need support, find out what their needs areMeeting with our first potential house mother.

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-13627608759463600262010-03-06T22:13:00.000+10:002010-03-06T22:51:35.677+10:00

It's twilight, and I'm sitting outside Tinku and Rekha's place, just being part of the life around me. Everyone is outside at this time - I love the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the mozzies love it too, so I won't stay out for long. It's impossible to capture this - I just have to feel it, to cherish it.We have realised that there are many people who could support their children at home, but

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-18128102185480523712010-03-06T21:55:00.000+10:002010-03-06T22:12:55.924+10:00

Every time I try to write the next entry I get stopped. Where do I begin? Someone gave me a tip (thanks, Peter!). He asked if I kept a journal! While I was in India I did keep a bit of a journal - that is where I'm going to start, and hopefully then, bit by bit, the story will unravel !

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-76726981733783938292010-02-28T16:17:00.000+10:002010-02-28T16:56:12.690+10:00

The Prabhat Alloi orphanage is now one week old. This blog will be the story of how the orphanage came to be created, and how it progresses from here. We'll also be following our future projects as they form from ideas and dreams into reality. How exciting!This orphanage is the first project of the Prabhat Alloi Foundation (PAF), which was set up to support the orphanage. This is our first

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-22049539082262020912010-02-27T23:11:00.000+10:002010-02-28T17:01:58.718+10:00

I'm sitting here in Phanat Nikhom in Thailand, visiting my son here one week after opening a new orphanage in India. We're starting up a new blog for the first time. This is very interesting!

Shivaniihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732268184734976612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963038379185949414.post-31336319432910781742010-01-01T16:13:00.001+10:002010-04-06T16:15:27.166+10:00

www.tinkusprojects.webnode.com

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12537113752391812441noreply@blogger.com