Trivandrum : 16-DEC-2016
The 8th batch of social visionaries at kanthari completed their 7 months leadership for social change training course. The theme of this year’s certification event was “Change from within”.
Chief Guest, Dr M.A. Oommen inaugurated the eighth certification ceremony at kanthari. In his speech, Dr. Oommen said: Development is not the rate of growth or expansion of commodities but building the capabilities and widening the choices of the people. Development is freedom, equality, solidarity and enhancing the quality of lives of people. This is what kanthari stands for”
This year’s kanthari award was presented to Ms Bimla Chandrasekar, director at EKTA Resource Centre for Women for her great work to empower women and banish stereotypes.
Over the past week the kanthari participants presented their 10 minutes Dream Speeches.
Upon completion of the training course in India the graduates return to their respective countries and/or areas to start their own social projects and initiatives. In the past 7 previous courses 141 participants from 38 countries were trained. This has resulted in over 100 projects and initiatives that are reaching thousands of beneficiaries.
In 2005, Sabriye Tenberken, Paul Kronenberg and Rajabhadresh founded the Braille Without Borders Charitable Trust. The flagship program of BWB is called ‘kanthari’. In Malayalam, the language of Kerala, ‘kanthari’ means a small but extremely spicy chili that possesses valuable medicinal qualities.
The name was chosen to underline the fact that a small, single person can be equipped to empower whole communities. Through hands on and practical training, kanthari offers all techniques, methods and skills that are required for the participants to start up and run effective, relevant social projects all over the world.
During the certification ceremony, the 19 participants received their completion of the first four acts of the “Journey in five Acts” curriculum certificates.
The participants come from Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, Nepal, Zimbabwe and India
Upon the conclusion of the certification ceremony the 150+ visitors were treated to music and a spicy dinner. The event took place at the eco-friendly campus of kanthari near Vellayani lake, at Trivandrum.
Are you a change agent with a passion to make a difference? Or know someone who is? Participate in or refer a social visionary among your network to the kanthari course starting May 2017. The requirements for being selected as a kanthari participant are: intermediary English skills, as its the medium of communication, basic computer skills, being at least 22 years old, being an energetic self-starter and having a vision for a project that will effect social change. Successful applicants will be provided with tuition and accommodation through scholarships from kanthari donors.
