Who are we?
Twenty three like-minded individuals with diverse background came together with a common goal in mind: To seek and learn about the concepts of community development and culture. After going through 10 sessions of in-class learning, presentations, field trips to The Indian Heritage Centre and HealthServe as well as having a Master's Tea session by Professor Tan Tai Yong, we are set to embark on an experiential learning journey to the Land of Diversity this December!
Stay tuned as we take you through community development efforts in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, together with the documentation of our reflections as we wander through the magnificent South Asian continent.
What is the module about?
This module explores the concepts, practices and issues related to “community development”, focusing on the building and/or rebuilding processes of marginalised communities in Asia, particularly within the context of India. It offers an interactive learning opportunity that combines community development theory, classroom discussions and field visits. Students explore diverse disciplinary perspectives and critically examine debates about the nature of community development and ethical, social and economic challenges of different models.
A key component of the module includes field visits during a two-week trip to India in December. Students visit various institutions and sites in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and interact with local communities to understand the community development practices in India.
Through the classroom discussions and field visits in Singapore and India, students also develop intercultural understanding as they revisit common stereotypes and dominant scholarship about India.
What is the itinerary like?
For more information about the organisations/places, you can visit:
IIT Gandhinagar: http://www.iitgn.ac.in
Stepwell Adalaj: http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/6/32
Gandhi Ashram: http://www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org/en/
Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA): http://www.sewa.org
Aavaran: http://www.aavaranudaipur.com/aavaran.html
Aajeevika Bureau: http://www.aajeevika.org
Kumbhalgarh Fort: http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-wall-india
Arid Communities and Technologies (ACT): http://act-india.org
Khamir Foundation: http://www.khamir.org
Hunnarshala Foundation: http://www.hunnarshala.org
Great Rann of Kutch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Rann_of_Kutch