During the 11J expedition, Louise and I, along with a handful of Venturers went out to 3 bio-gas and 4 eco-sanitation projects that Raleigh had done in the past to look at the long term impact of our projects on the communities at hand. It was a hugely rewarding experience for the Venturers who were able to engage on a deeper level with the work that they were doing, whilst enhancing their learning experience about sustainable development in the process. I would like to express a huge thank-you to Alex Rolfe, Claire Doeveren, Dan Rose, Esmee Augustijn, Jamie Manson, Lukas Klautke, Maya Obstfeld, Shafeeque Rahman, Steph Beaumont, Suthakar Munusamy and Zoe Coles for contributing to these efforts. By conducting household questionnaires, surveys and leading community focus group meetings, we found out more about how Raleigh was helping the different communities across India. Below are our findings from these visits…
Eco-sanitation Projects
The venturers saw for themselves how the composting toilets had changed the lives of its users, both socially and economically. Out of the 115 toilets inspected, most had produced organic fertiliser, which not only reduced the amount spent by beneficiaries on expensive chemical fertiliser, but also improved crop quality and yield. Venturers learnt about how the toilets increased personal safety, particularly for the women, and found that the level of health and hygiene had risen as a result.
Bio-gas Projects
Venturers found the visits to be really encouraging as they discovered that 9 bio-gas units were still functioning and being used years later. It was motivating for venturers to see that wood consumption had reduced due to this new renewable source of energy and the cows provided by Raleigh were producing milk which was then being sold to make an income.
Once again, a huge thank-you for your hard work and involvement in moving monitoring and evaluation forward in India.
Marian Sue, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
For Francine Gerace and Getz Obstfeld
ReplyDeleteFrom Maya, Echo 4
Hi Mom and Dad!
So sorry we didn’t get to chat longer on that last phone call, I ran out of 1 rupee coins and so the call shut off automatically. Anyway just writing to say I love you so much and I’m sorry we couldn’t talk about other things during our call, it was just travelling on that was kind of important to me. Anyway, we got our allocations and I am with the same six people as my Charlie 2 group! We are actually pretty upset about it because we wanted to be with new people – but we know it’s going to be fun anyway cause we get along really well. Anyway turns out I’m going to be going to Goa on this phase anyway! We are living on the beach in hammocks, it sounds amazing. This is probably too long already but I love you guys so much! Keep me updated on this blog – I love getting messages!
XOXO Maya,
Gemma – Charlie 1
ReplyDeleteHey guys, I can’t believe I’m going into my last phase! Trek was awesome! Really hard, but awesome! I got your package and letters, Penny looks beautiful and lovin the jive outfits lots, ‘tis so hard not to open the package and letter but it’s going to be awesome to open a b’day present! Really miss you all, can’t wait to see you in less than a months time...YAY!
Love to all, Gem x
To Anne, Echo 4
ReplyDeleteHee lieve annie!
Het is nu wel errrrug lang geleden dat we elkaar hebben gezien.. mis je wel hoor! Gelukkig ben je nu weer je laatste fase in dus zo lang duurt het niet meer totdat we allemaal weer gezellig thuis zijn om kerst te vieren, kijk er super naar uit! Zelf ga ik nu over 17 dagen naar huis, vind ik wel jammer maar heb ook heel veel zin om weer lekker thuis te zijn. Zag trouwens dat in de changeover jouw groepje weer had gewonnen met de toneelstukjes/opvoeringen, well done annie! Volgens mij ben je een lucky charm :) Ben erg benieuwd wat je nu aan het uitvoeren bent, het enige dat ik weet is Velas, environmental.. niet erg veel dus haha. Ben (zoals altijd) erg benieuwd naar je verhalen. Schrijf je trouwens veel in je travel diary? Mijne is al redelijk vol, ben er best trots op :D Wie had ooit verwacht dat ik daar ooit de tijd voor zou gaan nemen?! Ik niet iig maar ben er zeker blij om want nu kan ik hem aan jou geven om te lezen en dan weet je ook weer alles van wat ik heb uitgespookt hier. Heb wel het gevoel dat mijn berichten naar jou steeds nuttelozer worden haha, ik hoop dat je het me kan vergeven :p Trouwens, Anna (mijn vriendin hiero) is er net achter gekomen dat ze de volgende periode in mijn residentie kan komen wonen, dus heel misschien zit jij hier dan ook! Haha ik kijk er nu al naar uit om met jou te skypen als jij hier zit en ik ergens in mexico, en dan kan je me alles vertellen over wat je doet hier en dan weet ik precies waar je het over hebt omdat ik dat nu allemaal aan het doen ben! craaaazy haha. Anyways, genoeg gebral (vraag me af wat de andere mensen die deze site bekijken van me denken.. nouja ;p) ik zie je heeel snel weer en dan krijg je een superdikke knuffel- voor nu een virtuele hug en heel veel xxxxxxxxxxxxx :) adios cariño!
For daniel rose
ReplyDeleteJust to say im watching a documentry on raleigh on tv like an actual documentry on what they do and everything, its with loads of kids on it, more of a childrens thang but i get to see exactly what youve been doing. I hope everythings going well learning about biogass is pretty cool, ull have to tell me all about that, counting down the days till you get back. take care and i love you x
For Lucy Shipp. I think I may have missed the boat for the Loop...anyway, we'll be thinking of you lots for your birthday on Saturday. I hope that the card and the small parcel have arrived, and safely!! The days are hurrying along to your return: where does time go? The work you're doing is so important and I'm really proud of you!! Sending all my love and hugs, Mum xxx
ReplyDeleteAlex rolfe echo 3
ReplyDeleteHey Alex
Thought I would send you a blog message as have not spoken to you in a whole week :0 (feels longer) congrats for being one of the venturers that got picked that's cool hope you have had a great week in your new group. If you got your mums message you might no we went out today for a bit of shopping and Twilight :) it was Brilliant!!! Had a lovely day with your mum and we both miss you lots. Speaking of movies I have been really good I have not watched the new Johnny English film because I thought I would get it on DVD instead and we can have one of our Chinese & movie nights in :)
I have got nearly everything done for india now all that needs to be done is visa and one more jab which is in the middle of December. It's started getting colder here now I think our mild winter is over :( so I'm constantly freezing so can't wait for January when I'm warm and toastie in india.
I am so proud of you, you are doing amazing out there and I can't wait to join you in 4 weeks and 6 days (not that I'm counting down :)
Always remember stay safe, you are always in my thoughts, I miss you very very much and I love you dearly.
Lots of hugs and kisses
All my love
Your Ellis xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alex Echo 3,
ReplyDeleteHi Matey,
Just a quickie, had to write to let you know that the glorious Eagles beat Man Utd 2-1 at Old Trafford in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Ambrose scored a goal that Gary Neville described as one of the best goals he'd ever seen!
Hope all is well in the mud holes.
Dad
aaron mcpeake echo 4 hey ari barri just wanted to touch base with you once more.dont hav any news relly but just wanted to let you know we are all thinking of you. there was a big national strike here on wed 30th nov and the schools were all shut so i took your brother and sisters to ballymena to meet up and hav lunch with granny and grandad. they were both asking after you. wel not ling to go now. im sure you will be very sad to leave i no i would bee. look forward to reading the rest of what your doing and also to seeing you soon. take care of yourself. love you loads as always. mum
ReplyDeleteHello Field Base India
ReplyDeleteI wrote this blog about 2 years ago and I was just reminiscing fondly about my time in India!!!
Fantastic blog and looks like the projects are going strong!!!
Happy 18th Birthday Gemma, Hope you have a wonderful day. Looking forward to hearing all about your experience on your return.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from
Sue Neil Dan and Kim xxxx
Anne Schouten, Echo 4.
ReplyDeleteLieve Annie,
Wat super leuk om weer een brief van je te ontvangen! :) Heb er van genoten en het duurde blijkbaar maar 8 dagen voor de brief hier was, dus ik heb meteen mijn brief op de post gedaan in de hoop dat ie er nog op tijd is, heb je wat te lezen in het vliegtuig;) Had mn galaverhalen al een tijdje geleden uitgeschreven om op te sturen maar dacht dat komt vast niet meer aan, maar ik heb de poging gewaagd en wie weet.
Men wat gaat het snel in een keer. Nog maar 14 daagjes en dan kom je alweer thuis, ooh ik kijk er naar uit! Komende 2 weken ben ik nog erg druk met tentamens maar precies als jij thuis komt zijn die voorbij dus dat is mooi :). Ben benieuwd hoe je laatste project is. Hopelijk heb je weer zo'n leuke groep net als de vorige 2 keer!
Veel plezier nog en geniet ervan! Succes en tot over 14 daagjes, joehoeee:) Liefss xxxx Mel
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteLieber Lukas,
ReplyDeletees interessant zu sehen, wie Eure Projekte Form annehmen. Ihr bringt sicherlich einen wichtigen Beitrag für die Region. Vielen Dank für die Postkarte. Ich wünsche Dir alles Gute, weiter spannende Eindrücke und bleibe gesund.
Liebe Grüße
Bernd
Gemma Bennett - Charlie 1,
ReplyDeleteAs I'm writing this where you are it is officially your 18th birthday!!!!!!!! Hope your having an amazing time!!!! Only two weeks until your Hme!!!! Can't wait to see you!!!! Put the Xmas decs up @ work yesterday!!!! Seen the coca cola advert on telly soooo Xmas fun can start!!!!! Love ya loads!!! Enjoy your birthday and the rest of your trip!!!! Love Lisa
To Charlie's family...
ReplyDeleteHaving a great time. Enjoying trek. Will be home for Xmas.
John Nickleson
ReplyDeleteWATP you'll get it when I get home. See you when I get home. :)ha ha xxx from Charlie T5
To Megan Charlie 1
ReplyDeleteHi Megan
Well you will shortly be coming home for Xmas. We hope you are keeping well and enjoying yourself.
Thinking of you
Love
Ann & Paul
xxx
Message for Lisa Marshall, Tango 6
ReplyDeleteHiya Lisa Lashes! How are you?? You're nearly home now! It snowed for the first time today here. I don't think it did in Manchester but it did in Bolton, I nearly went flying walking to my car this morning.. definitely boots weather! I've been reading the blog and it looks bad weather there, no chance of a tan by the looks of things! I'm sure you'll catch up when you get back :) bet you can't wait. We got two rabbits last weekend, finally after 21 years I've got rabbits, finally! They are so cute, can't wait for you to meet them. Have you got my letter? I hope so. I think I must have already told you everything I've written in it though..
I can't wait to see your face! I hope you're well. I'll get stocking up on waffles and veggie bits for your return.. 10 more sleeps!!! :) :) :) love you xxxxxx
To Maya Obstfeld in Echo 4:
ReplyDeleteMom and I wnet out to Cormandel's last night, and ordered Karnataka-style curry in your honor. I tried to eat with my fingers, but Mom gave me the Look, so I just used a fork. Spoke to NOLS today - they confimred your trip is going ahead on the 23rd, with 15 signed up so far. They eliminated the 15th trip, so your trip is probably the combo of the two. All your sibs - Jake, Sam and Haley - doing well. Hugs and Kisses, Dad
tango 5
ReplyDeletelisa marshall
hello again 9 more days then im coming to c u babe iv missed u soooooooooo much so has robyn , u wont believe how big n clever she is now, i was washing up last night n jony run out of the kitchen so i thought wat u doing weido then i heard robyn shouting peeeeeeeeeeesss so i had a look n he was sat eating cheese cake n robyn was stood at his legs shouting please for some nhahah she so funny and greedy gave her a chocolate eclaire yesterday she was nearly biting my fingers of , aww cnt wait to c u xxxx iv not even had chance to look through ur wall every time i go on the computer im hiding cas the baby keeps coming over n smacking it pressing everything , the other day i wrote out a msg 3 times lisa 3 bloody times n she wiped the lot of u might of got them but i just give up n turned it of, love u n c u nx wk iv bin dying to write that xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lieve Esmee Tango 5,
ReplyDeleteWat vliegt de tijd.... nog een paar weken. Erg leuk je op de foto's te zien, en de blogs te lezen! You really meke a difference. Geniet nog van India en alle indrukken voordat je weer aan de stampot zit :) Dikke kus van ons allemaal, tante Jelina
Lisa Marshall Echo 4
ReplyDeleteHi lisa, only one week to go before your home.I have missed you loads and cant wait to have a good natter. I hope you are okay, see you soon.xxxx
To Maya Obstfeld in Echo 4: Hello dear one! It's Friday morning -- and that always feels wonderful. Getting cold now -- can feel the start of winter slipping in on us. Getting harder and harder to imagine you in a warm sunny place -- You and Jake both in tropical climates -- Yikes! Haley is getting super fuzzy- she'll be ready for the cold. Off to my little ones -- I'll send another message soon. Thinking of you in a hammock surrounded by palm trees -- I hope you have seen a big turtle or two. Can't wait to hear your stories. So much love, xxxxx mom
ReplyDelete