Celebrating Earth Day 2015
Over the weekend, our global associate in the Philippines, Dr. Susana Anayatin celebrated Earth Day 2015 by leading a series of trainings on Environmental Protection and Cultural Sensitivity to over 129 soldiers of the 61D Division Training School, Philippine Army. The partnership that Susana has created with this Division is key to ongoing efforts in Mindanao to bring clean water to schools and communities most needing infrastructure improvements. Find out more on how they are doing this at our info page here.
Susana has a long history of being a strong proponent of environmental causes in the southern Philippines and it bears repeating her stance on why Earth Day should be a rallying cry to everyone to take action:
For me, Earth Day is a time to reflect on the condition of the planet as a result of human activities. We know that the scientific evidence reveals that our ecosystem is in a very critical situation - the shortage of food and water, rising air pollution, and global climate change are very real and alarming. Threats on human survival and other forms of creatures have hastened our need to act.
Mitigating plans and actions must be taken by all nations and people to save Mother Earth. It is VERY URGENT. We can start with education, which will play a great role to instituting long term solutions.
As part of our project work in restoring water supplies to primary schools in the southern Philippines, we have proposed to make environmental education part of the curriculum so that students and their teachers are more aware of the inter-relationship between human beings and their environment as a source for not just water, but also food, air, shelter and other basic needs.
The necessary actions to protect the environment, such as tree planting, proper waste management and enforcement of policies and laws should also be part of school curriculum - and the Goldin Institute Philippines continues to play a part in making this a priority.
As my team and I work on the ground in trying to bring safe drinking water to the schools of Maguindano, I become more aware that the work cannot be done without additional government advocacy in partnership with civil society and business sectors. These must be strengthened here in the Philippines, but I imagine that it is the same for all regions, whether it is Chicago or the developing world.
[quote]There are many planets in the universe but only one which sustains human life ... Let us love and respect mother earth so that future life will not be compromised."[/quote]
- Dr. Susana Anayatin
We are proud to continue to partner with Susana and the on-the-ground grassroots efforts to improve the environment in her part of the world. We invite you to learn more and become more involved!
Partner and Peace Advocate in US
NPR's WorldView focuses on Fr. Leonel Narvaez
We are excited to announce that our friend and colleague, Fr. Leonel will be making a live appearance on NPR's WorldView news program on Monday, April 13 at 12 p.m. central time. Fr. Leonel will speak about his work promoting forgiveness and reconciliation in his home country of Colombia, share insights about the ongoing formal peace negotiations between the FARC and the government of Colombia and the expansion of child soldier reintegration model to the Goldin Institute's partners in Uganda.
Those familiar with our work with Fr. Leonel know that he is highly regarded for his peace-building efforts around the globe through his work in Colombia with the Foundation for Reconciliation. He has dedicated his life to building peace in the understanding that "violence is the failure of dialogue." Amongst his many accolades, Leonel has been awarded the Great Cross of Civil Merit by the City of Bogota for his contribution to peace in the city. In Paris in 2007, he received the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. In 2008, the Congress of the Republic of Colombia honored him with the Order of Democracy.
International awards aside, we know personally and professionally how Fr. Leonel has worked tirelessly through his efforts at the Foundation to inspire and train over 25,000 facilitators reaching countless beneficiaries around the world in new methods of peace and reconciliation. Fr. Leonel's powerful presentations and sermons have changed the face of reconciliation efforts across the globe and the ESPERE methodology has expanded from its modest beginnings in Colombia to 15 other countries, such as Uganda, where we work closely seeing the growth of this project.
Please join us by tuning in to Fr. Leonel's live interview on April 13 at 12:20 p.m. on National Public Radio. This link will be active for live listening from your computer or mobile during the stream of the show.
NPR Worldview Interview on Colombia Peace Process with Fr. Leonel Narvaez
If you missed the opportunity to hear our friend and colleague Fr. Leonel Narvaez on the WorldView news program April 14, you can stream it now:
In this interview, Fr. Leonel speaks about the ongoing negotiations in Cuba that give promise to a proposed peace agreement for his country. He also puts into context the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation and how they have been practiced through his leadership at the Foundation for Reconciliation in Colombia and around the world.
About Fr. Leonel and his work in Latin America
Those familiar with our work with Fr. Leonel know that he has dedicated his life to building peace in the understanding that "violence is the failure of dialogue." Amongst his many accolades, Leonel has been awarded the Great Cross of Civil Merit by the City of Bogota for his contribution to peace in the city. In Paris in 2007, he received the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. In 2008, the Congress of the Republic of Colombia honored him with the Order of Democracy.
International awards aside, we know personally and professionally how Fr. Leonel has worked tirelessly through his efforts at the Foundation to inspire and train over 25,000 facilitators reaching countless beneficiaries around the world in new methods of peace and reconciliation. Fr. Leonel's powerful presentations and sermons have changed the face of reconciliation efforts across the globe and the ESPERE methodology has expanded from its modest beginnings in Colombia to 15 other countries, such as Uganda, where we work closely seeing the growth of this project.
The Goldin Institute Stands with our Friends in Kenya
It is with deep sadness that we share our condolences to our colleagues and friends in Kenya in the aftermath of the senseless and tragic attack at Garissa University. We join with our global network around the world to hold the friends and families of the 147 who were killed and the dozens more wounded in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali of our Kenyan partner organization Arigatou International shared his thoughts with us this morning:
[quote] Many thanks for sharing with us your thoughts and condolences. The country is going through difficult moments. While we are certain we will overcome the ideology of terror, it will take a lot of effort from ourselves and the government to do so. The support we are receiving from the Goldin Institute and other partners is going a long way to build capacities to address the destructive ideology feeding into violent extremism."[/quote]
Our colleague based in Nairobi, Dorcas Kiplagat shared her thoughts as well:
[quote] Thank you dearest for your condolences ... Sometimes I am in a supermarket then I remember, suppose they attack ... actually they have succeeded in creating fear but of course we just have to move on as we pray and hope that God grants us his favour... It is the totality of our society's mindset which must shift ... Thank you for standing with us and our beloved country at this time of great pain."[/quote]
We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in Kenya and throughout the region as we work to build grassroots partnerships to counter the growth of violent extremism. The tragic events at Garissa University are a terrible reminder of the need and the urgency for this crucial work.
Addressing the World Water Needs
Because just about everyday there is another report on the shortage of adequate drinking water to the world's population, we are always on the look-out for new and inventive ways of delivering clean, drinkable water – especially to those who currently do not have access.
This 'edible water blob' could replace plastic water bottles, which currently impose great health and environmental risks. Check out the three founders of this unique delivery system and see why they are winning awards for their design. With enough attention and backing, the 'blob' may become a reality and a new standard for how we consume water.
And to see how we are solving the water crisis in Mindanao, please see our microsite at this link.
- Photo Credit: Skipping Rocks Lab
March 2015 Newsletter
It's been a long winter, but we finally see hints of spring as the light changes ever so slightly. And each day we see more than a hint of our work making a difference in the communities we partner with.
Watch a brief video overview of this newsletter:
New Community Leaders Taking Root
GULU, UGANDA – In January and February, two new workshops were conducted in Uganda, using the ESPERE Methodology first developed by our colleagues in Colombia. These workshops catered to the specific needs of the local participants and served teachers, former abductees, young mothers, street children and those directly impacted by regional conflict. A full report with photos chronicling the unique partners, setting and community members in Gulu can be found within the full story here.
With program co-creator Lissette Mateus Roa overseeing the work, and Global Associate Denis Okello coordinating on the ground from Uganda, ESPERE is in a great place to continue its growth in this region and Denis reports that there are two upcoming workshops which will "draw on the human spirt, connect those looking to build a better future and prove that ESPERE's cornerstone concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation rise above the legacy of hate."
[quote]Each successful attendee of the Workshops will carry forward the accomplishments and lessons learned from their participation to benefit their communities at large. We have several more Workshops already underway."[/quote]
- Denis Okello, Goldin Institute Uganda
Concern Worldwide Honors Mimi Frankel
CHICAGO, USA – We had the honor of seeing our long-time Advisory Board member, Mimi Frankel, accept a Humanitarian award from Concern Worldwide. Mimi's outstanding accomplishments reflecting justice, compassion and generosity in her work and daily life were officially recognized at a Chicago event attended by several hundred supporters to social causes around the world. For us, it was a confirmation of what we have long known about Mimi: she is a woman who will bring all her energy and devotion to raising awareness for the issues she believes in, especially ones which allow women to lead in solutions to benefit their communities.
Brave Leadership for Peace
MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES – We can't say enough about the ongoing work of our Global Associate in the Philippines, Dr. Susana Anayatin. Despite recent increases in violence in Mindanao, she continues the struggle for peace in Mindanao and Susana leads by example in her daily life as a teacher, environmentalist and organizer for the peace movement.
Already several times this year Susana has reported on the personal impact of the conflict and loss of lives to colleagues and friends, but this only makes her redouble her efforts to the cause of peace. While the story begins to get the attention it deserves from the established press here in the west, we have known how important it is to tell the story from Susana's perspective - and we will continue to do this while supporting the important work making a difference in Mindanao.
Promoting Gender Equality at the UN
NEW YORK, USA – Recently, our newest Advisory Board Member, Akif Irfan was in attendance at a United Nations event exploring the issue of gender equity amongst young people in developing countries. Akif skillfully connected our ongoing work in places like Haiti with the conference's themes, while building relationships with colleagues interested in the same leadership initiatives, like Michael Di Maria of the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Haitian-American Connections
CHICAGO, USA – We continue to find inspirational leaders in our own backyard and last month we were excited to interview Elsie Hernandez - the founder and CEO of the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC). Elsie put her dream of building a museum on hold for over ten years while raising a family, but her determination and vision have paid off with the launch of the Haitian American Museum in Chicago. An entire community now has a voice and the city at large has a new museum that helps all Chicagoans understand and celebrate Haitian art and culture. Elsie is just the type of local leader with an international reach that we love to partner with and feature for others to learn from.
Next Newsletter
Watch our next newsletter for an exciting progress update from our partners around the world. Can't wait until the next newsletter? Get your Goldin Institute fix by jumping onto our Facebook Page for the latest news as it happens.
Sincerely,
Srilatha Lakkaraju - Newletter Coordinator
Follow your passion - find your cause
Our colleague and the founder of Bridging Humanity, Tina Cornely is starting to get the recognition she deserves for her efforts in breaking the cycle of poverty through out-of-the-box and holistic solutions. Solutions like her recently published work, 9 Steps To Erradicate Poverty, which will impact the underserved and impoverished segments of the world where Tina focuses her work.
Listen in to this podcast to learn about Tina and her work and her friendship with our own co-founder, Diane Goldin. Because of Diane's leadership in finding new ways to address the most pressing issues facing the communities we work with, it is clear to see how both of these women have, "followed dreams, found their passion and dicovered a cause greater than themselves."
Photo Credit: Tina Cornley (pictured on right)
Uganda: Forgiveness and Change Starts At Home
Working towards the peaceful evolution of their country, two Uganda-based organizations, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) and the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU) worked closely to conduct two workshops using the ESPERE Methodology in January and early February 2015 in the District of Gulu. The facilitators for the workshops had the benefit of being trained at the June 2014 workshop in Uganda led and organized by our Global Associate Lissette Mateus Roa. Each successful attendee will carry forward the accomplishments and lessons learned from their participation to benefit their communities at large.
The workshops were developed to cater to the specific needs of the local program participants. The first workshop held Jan. 21–28, 2015 focused on those who were victims or survivors of the May 2004 Lukodi Massacre wherein the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) raided and carried out an attack that led to the deaths of over 60 individuals in the town of Lukodi in Gulu District. The workshop itself was held at Lukodi Primary School and many of the participants were members of the Lukodi Reconciliation Team, a group made up of victims and survivors of the Massacre. Facilitator and participants alike exhibited strong enthusiasm for the program and despite literacy challenges, the group completed all eleven modules.
The second workshop was conducted from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2015 at Laroo Boarding Primary School in Laroo Division; Gulu Municipality. Participants consisted of 15 teachers from five Primary Schools all of which offer educational services to those in need including, formerly abducted persons, child mothers, street children and those with special needs. Program participants from this workshop as well were successful in completing all eleven modules.
The Modules of ESPERE – An Overview and How They Were Used
The ESPERE methodology uses a standard procedure in its approach to the process of forgiveness, refined slightly for each unique participant set. Similar to the June 2014 workshop, eleven modules shaped the program. Listening exercises at the onset of the workshop helped each participant understand the importance of being an active listener and an active participator.
The first module paired individuals together to form a safe space wherein each person spoke about the experience that had hurt or traumatized them. In the second module, participants learned through role playing how aggression affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior and determines the consequences of pain on physical and emotional health. Program participants found themselves identifying with the fictional role they were playing; prompting many to further share stories of instances where rage worked as a blindfold preventing them from seeing clearly. Program participants made a commitment to help others come out of the darkness created by rage.
In the third module, participants were led through a process of choice; participants had the choice of selecting unknown wrapped items, each item symbolizing an alternative leading to forgiveness. Ultimately, each participant actively chose to forgive and made a commitment of hope. After choosing to forgive, the fourth module focused on perspective, emphasizing that no two people will interpret a situation in the same way and many times someone will commit offenses for reasons that they deem as justified. Understanding these reasons helps provide a new perspective of the offender, resulting in a possible step towards common ground.
This led directly into module five which prompted participants to make a list of both positive and negative aspects of their offenders and imagine a meeting with that offender. Module six had participants in a very literal sense of the phrase, wash away the pain. The symbolic gesture, after speaking about their offenses, choosing forgiveness, and attempting to understand their offender brought relief to some and a step in the right direction for many program participants. The next four modules took program participants through the identification of valued principles, caring for and protecting principles, and most importantly, rebuilding and restoring broken principles. Participants were given ideas to repair broken principles, including conversation initiators, apologies, or a symbolic act as reparation - ultimately to reestablish a relationship. Finally, the last module provided practical understanding that although painful memories may never be completely forgotten, reworking them helps participants enter into the state of communion with freedom, solidarity and peace.
Most inspiring, despite their traumatizing past, the human spirit moved the Gulu participants in the workshop with the end goal of connecting with their brethren and looking towards a better future; proving once again that forgiveness and reconciliation rises above hate, and furthers the advancement of humanity.
To view the full report and see more photos from the ESPERE-Uganda Project, see this link. To find out how to take a more active role and support our work building grassroots partnerships like the ones we've established in Africa and Colombia, please visit here.
[slide] [img path="images/10967360_796381027082475_2015717359_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10969438_796378030416108_1287229658_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10967610_796379823749262_1998732302_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10964665_796381547082423_1222004002_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10965657_796383453748899_711227497_n.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img][/slide]
Update from Mindanao
In a continuation of military action in Mindanao, this latest story outlines the everyday presence of the conflict in the lives of those who reside in this part of the country. Ordinary citizens who wish to be able to go about their work, or attend school or meet up with friends and family in public places, have to be vigilant of the threat of violence. In many ways, the conflict in Mindanao parallels the years of entrenched violence in the Middle-East, the major difference being the level of awareness given to the Philippines by the West (and the rest of the world) pales in comparison to the well publicized Arab-Israeli conflict. This infograph illustrates the human and economic toll taken by the 43 year-long conflict in Mindanao:
Dr. Anayatin, in her frequent updates to us, makes clear the personal toll of the longstanding conflict to herself and her community at large:
[quote]Besides the ever-increasing displaced people as a result of the all-out war, children cannot go to school. Parents can not perform livelihood activities and are endangered just going to or pursuing work. Too many people depend on food and basic services from the government ... some men (fight on the) rebel side while the government (and opposition to the rebel cause) take care of their families in evacuation centers. These are the sad realities of war in Mindanao. The cycle of violence is the longest running armed-conflict in the world, which continues to be the biggest obstacle to our region being able to develop and progress."[/quote]
Just last week, Dr. Anayatin informed us that a fellow peace advocate and student of hers in the graduate peace studies program at MSU, was gunned down at a supermarket. Although the circumstances of this case are sill being investigated, Susana too often relates similar stories of friends or colleagues associated with the peace movement falling victim to the conflict. And yet, she continues to make progress with projects in place and show leadership to her students, volunteers and communities she actively works with. Pictured below are photos of relief operations to displaced people in Maguindanao that Susana took part in over this past weekend. Susana reports that about 7,000 students have been impacted due to a suspension of classes. In this latest flare up of the war, classrooms have become makeshift 'evacuation centers'.
Part of our role in uplifting the voices of those we partner with in community development, is to also shine a light on the issues and obstacles to their work. The relief effort shown in the above photos was hastily organized after the latest offensive lauched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Maguindanao against the Bangamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the MILF (see above infograph for more).
Susana continues to fight for peace and take a strong position against the war. But in recent days she has been saddened by the new violence that has errupted and the impossibility of dialogue or negotiation during military ground and air attacks. As a known peace advocate with credibility in her community, she is able to represent at meetings between police, military and government officials.
We will continue to stand with Dr. Anayatin and her colleagues and her own 'army of volunteers' trying to ensure an eventual end to the violence. We remind followers of our work at the Institute to view the success stories here of what Susana has been able to accomplish – with limited resources. We welcome you to view our issues page on the cooperative project work with Susana to find out how you can become more involved. And no matter where you are or the relative peace that you may be fortunate to find yourself in, we should remember the words that Susana expresses to us in every conversation: "Peace must prevail in the end - it's the only option."
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[img path="images/phil_update.jpg"]All photos courtesy of Goldin Institute: Philippines[/img]
[img path="images/flood0.jpg"]All photos courtesy of Goldin Institute: Philippines[/img]
[img path="images/kids_in_Mag_being_helped.jpg"]All photos courtesy of Goldin Institute: Philippines[/img]
[img path="images/susana_wmilitary.jpg"]All photos courtesy of Goldin Institute: Philippines[/img]
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Advisory Board Member at U.N. Sponsored Event
Gender Equity Summit Held in New York
Earlier this month, our Advisory Board member Akif Irfan was in attendance at a United Nations event exploring the issue of gender equity amongst young people in developing countries.
Akif reports that a diverse group focused on gender equality was in attendance. These included individuals from UN-Habitat, academia and representatives of religious organizations. Because the gathering was an open-discussion format and the group size was small by design, Akif said the event provided an open dialogue for addressing issues of gender-based violence, especially against women by focusing on remedies involving the young male population.
Because of the Institute's project work on gender-based violence, especially in Haiti, Akif found natural parallels between our work and the general findings and themes presented in the UN-Habitat sponsored event. Namely, how do we fully capitalize on the role young men can play in actively preventing violence through training and education?
Also in attendance was our former Online Education coordinator, Michael Di Maria. Michael was part of the planning and coordination of this event in his current role with Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which also co-sponsored the meetings with the Man Up Campaign based in New York City. LCIF and Man Up Campaign are working on a pilot project focused on reversing commonly held stereotypes of young girls and women, while emphasizing a positive and non-violent paragon for masculinity. For an overview of the Foundation's Lions Quest program, a social and emotional learning program that has seen activity in over 95 countries worldwide, click here.
