I glance at my watch, “Okay, two and a half hours. Just put one foot in front of the other, and breathe.” As Charlotte, Rashi, Jenn and I achingly walk from our 3-day stint in Istanbul, we arrive at the airport-a little worn, but with irreplaceable memories. We navigate the bustling departure terminal, conduct some minor re-arrangements, engage in a slight sprint through security, and finally board our India-bound plane.
We’re here-India. Novel sights. Novel sounds. Novel smells…And rain.
Sixteen public health students, myself included, will spend the next two weeks learning how to effectively and positively work in the realm of social entrepreneurship. We’ve spent a month beginning to develop an understanding of non-profit funding, public relations, management, and innovation. Now we’ve been given the opportunity to apply our knowledge and gain experience in the rapidly growing economy and communities of Mumbai and New Delhi, India.
Dr. Amita Vyas founded the Global India Fund (GIF), in partnership with Samhita after her “Journey of Hope” visit to India in 2007. GIF allows anyone who wishes to research global philanthropies to do so on a level of personal interest. Philanthropies can be broken down based upon country of interest, target population, and even upon the way in which one would prefer to contribute. No longer is monetary donation the only way to provide aid to non-profit organizations, time and ideas of innovation may also serve as useful contribution. GIF also allows small, grassroots organizations a platform in which they may display their mission and welcome aid. Donors are able to follow their contributions via the GIF website, adding a personal plane to philanthropy. Because due diligence is required, the donor can be assured his or her contribution is going straight to their cause of choice-this confidence and personal connection fuels continual support.
Other sites of philanthropy include Kiva, and Global Giving, which follow along similar lines. These sites welcome giving whatever amount of time or money one desires, in the manner that is most comfortable, and with the guarantee that each contribution is used exactly how it is intended.
As the next 11 days ensue, we will be visiting 9 NGOs on site and learning directly from those in the field. The lessons will be quick, but the processing and impact of such lessons will no doubt last for years to come…
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