Here's a story about how members of the Changemakers community are encouraging wildlife conservation in Mexico:
When Martin Camacho was a child, he had to leave school to help support his family. Instead of attending classes, he went with his father to capture birds in the countryside, eating meals of wild birds' eggs, cactus fruit, and roasted pigeons.
At the age of 10, Camacho had a revelation. A pigeon splayed and roasting on the fire mirrored the figure of Jesus Christ martyred on the cross. A devout Roman Catholic, this image stirred something within Camacho, who vowed to never again kill a bird. “I felt it was a living being who had to be respected,” he said.
Read more about this solution, or discuss this topic below.
Created on 09/9/2009 by ActionCenter
Organization: The Action Center to End World Hunger
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The Action Center to End World Hunger
Organization Address
6 River Terrace, Battery Park City, New York, NY 10282
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideName Your Project
Panel Discussion - Africa and India GMO Risk or Rescue
Country your work focuses on
n/a
What makes your approach innovative?
How will you sustain your solution?
What will be the impact of your solution?
Created on 09/7/2009 by IPC9Malawi
We are proud to have Africa chosen as host to IPC9, a biennial Conference and Convergence of the Permaculture Comminuty to share experiences, and increased awareness of the alternatives to the 'Green Revolution' approach among local African farmers, policy makers, the general public, as well as Permaculture representatives attending from around the globe.
Organization: International Permaculture Conference and Convergence
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International Permaculture Conference and Convergence
Organization Address
P.O. Box 32280, Chichiri, Blantyre 3,Malawi
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideName Your Project
Alternatives to the 'green revolution' approach
Country your work focuses on
What makes your approach innovative?
We have the unique opportunity to discuss the issues of the New Green Revolution for Africa which promotes the use of genetically modified seeds and chemical fertilizers, and to disseminate information on alternative agricultural methods. This is a chance to reach out to local African farmers, policy makers, the general public, as well as to the general Permaculture community around the globe through the representatives attending the Conference and Convergence.
The Theme for the Convergence is Plan Africa ~ Food and Empowerment and is based on inspiring, informing and enabling a development strategy for Africa that seeks to understand our natural heritage and the inherent wealth that it contains and find ways of unlocking value so as to create strong sustainable regional economies that are in harmony with nature. Underlying this theme is the by-line 'Designing solutions for a sustainable future'. The Conference and Convergence will serve to highlight ways of empowering marginalized communities out of poverty through concerted well-designed social and economic development. read more at http://arc.peacecorpsconnect.org/view/626
Describe Your Idea
We are proud to have Africa chosen as host to IPC9, a biennial Conference and Convergence of the Permaculture Comminuty to share experiences, and increased awareness of the alternatives to the 'Green Revolution' approach among local African farmers, policy makers, the general public, as well as Permaculture representatives attending from around the globe.
How will you sustain your solution?
Representatives from Permaculture groups attending the International Permaculture Conference and Convergence from around the world will take this information back to their communities, and the dialogue will continue.
What will be the impact of your solution?
Approximately 700,000 people have been involved with the Permaculture community internationally, and information on this event has also been disseminated to the current and past Peace Corps Workers.
main
Yanamono, Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
3° 45' 0" S, 73° 15' 0" W
Me gustaria nominar a Nancy Dunn y su proyecto en la Selva Amazónica de Iquitos Amazon Library, pueden ver toda la información acerca de este proyecto en la web, www.cccamazonlibrary.com.
Created on 08/10/2009 by milanez
Os transgênicos estão causando a maior transformação ambiental que o planeta experimentou até hoje sem que as pessoas sequer estejam cientes do que eles são exatamente.
A idéia é estimular a reflexão e depois de formada a opinião, promover ação efetiva sobre esta enorme mudança para a qual sequer fomos consultados.
Através de um site informativo e um documentário permitir que as pessoas façam uma reflexão mais profunda sobre esta gigantesca mudança que está acontecendo silenciosamente em nossas vidas e, sobretudo sem a nossa participação.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideName Your Project
TRANSGÊNICOS - Você sabe realmente o que significam?
Country your work focuses on
n/a
What makes your approach innovative?
Describe Your Idea
Os transgênicos estão causando a maior transformação ambiental que o planeta experimentou até hoje sem que as pessoas sequer estejam cientes do que eles são exatamente.A idéia é estimular a reflexão e depois de formada a opinião, promover ação efetiva sobre esta enorme mudança para a qual sequer fomos consultados.Através de um site informativo e um documentário permitir que as pessoas façam uma reflexão mais profunda sobre esta gigantesca mudança que está acontecendo silenciosamente em nossas vidas e, sobretudo sem a nossa participação.As principais reflexões fomentadas serão sobre: 1. A ruptura histórica com a ética e a ética ambiental que produz o patenteamento dos seres vivos. 2. A nova ameaça planetária introduzida pela transgenia - "A Contaminação Genética" acarreta o fim dos alimentos naturais que são contaminados pelo pólen dos transgênicos. 3. O desrespeito aos direitos coletivos e individuais, tanto dos agricultores convencionais e orgânicos como dos cidadãos que consomem esta alimentação convencional ou orgânica, provocada pela contaminação genética que destroem os produtos naturais. 4. O risco ao equilíbrio ambiental planetário e às espécies vivas, sem precedentes, provocado pela contaminação genética e pela competição natural dos transgênicos. 5. A destruição da possibilidade do desenvolvimento da ciência da nutrição pela desorganização da composição dos alimentos provocada por alimentos transgênicos. 6. A escravização dos agricultores do mundo inteiro pela obrigatoriedade de pagarem royalties, para o resto de suas vidas, para cultivarem sementes que são patrimonio de todos. 7. A responsabilidade de quem destrói a saúde humana e o meio ambiente precisa ser cobrada criminalmente e financeiramente. A urgência e importância desta campanha se dão pelo fato de que estas informações não estão na mídia comercial, e que, a profundidade destas questões também não se adapta aos tempos e espaços da mídia atual, mesmo sendo uma questão de segurança planetária.Após formar sua opinião os cidadãos poderão, se assim desejarem, contribuir para divulgar os debates ou em ações como abaixo assinados e boicote aos produtos contaminados.
How will you sustain your solution?
What will be the impact of your solution?
Created on 08/4/2009 by jkoechlin
The Spectacled Bear is the only South American bear species. The reduction of habitat due to deforestation, irresponsible agricultural activities and illegal hunting has taken its population to be in danger of extinction.
In Peru, the Spectacled Bear can be found from the surrounding areas of the cloud forest to the high Andean zones, but its gradual disappearance has affected the life of each natural space where it resides.
Created on 07/29/2009 by leo_hphp@yahoo.ca
Aloha, we're glad you could make it. Please, pull up a shell & take your SEED-cause i know you've been standing on your feed, all day long! 'Fir starters, i hope i one: don't bore you with grammer mistakes [test: we have to be really honest to discuss such important itsyuoes] and two: if you cud see how missing peaces land exxxtraaaa letters make DNA, AND or DAN, then you May understand what some people mean when they say BOOOOoooooHoooOo for GMO (GenModOrg) and EHYA i mean YEAH for GmO (Good/God made Optimism).
Created on 06/29/2009 by stammke
Ecology Project International envisions a program to bring youth from biodiversity hotspots in Latin America (Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, and Mexico) to visit the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the world’s first National Park in M
Organization: Ecology Project International
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization
Ecology Project International
Organization Name
Ecology Project International
Organization Address
P.O. Box 9192 Missoula, Montana 59807
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideAre you a traveler or travel company?
No
Name Your Project
Save World Biodiversity through Travel
Country your work focuses on
What is the likely impact of your idea? (150 words max)
Individual transformation - To gain first-hand experience in the natural world, as well as the disastrous results of unabated human impact on nature is a transformative experience – one that is vital for youth world-wide if they are going to play a role in forging solutions to global environmental challenges. Changing the research paradigm - EPI shares its collaborative vision and partnerships with researchers from around the world. Investing local residents in research is fundamental to successful conservation. Capacity building - EPI's programs foment shifts in attitudes and behaviors regarding the importance of conservation and the value of local flora and fauna. EPI participants also gain practical skills and scientific knowledge. Increased environmental protection - Participants finish EPI programs not only armed with a broader education, but these students directly contribute to saving threatened and endangered species. Empowerment – EPI’s programs empower youth to take an active role in international conservation.
Why is promoting global travel and engagement important? What makes your idea innovative? (200 words max)
Deeply engrained in our approach is the ethic of international dialogue and collaboration. EPI’s programs are unique: no one else creates scientific partnerships that involve local residents in research and experiential education in Latin America, and 2009 marks the first time our students from Latin America participated in our Yellowstone Ecology Program in Montana. In our model, visiting students from other countries meet their local peers who are collaborating on the same project. We are creating global impact through local participation, capacity building, and empowerment. At each project site, local and visiting students participate in the same program – but in a different language – and come together for a day of cultural exchange and scientific collaboration. They present to each other their findings on the data that they collected and its analysis. Global conservation is more efficient when it is trans-cultural and sensitive to the realities of different countries. When we partner students in this fashion they realize that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference in the world and exchange ideas about how to make it better.
Describe Your Idea
Ecology Project International envisions a program to bring youth from biodiversity hotspots in Latin America (Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, and Mexico) to visit the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the world’s first National Park in Montana and Wyoming, where they will participate in hands-on scientific projects, learn about conservation, interact with Montana peers, and be inspired to apply their knowledge of conservation.
What would it take to launch or spread your idea? How much would it cost to make your idea a reality? (150 words max)
To spread our idea, EPI needs the funds to launch a publicity and media campaign to raise awareness with students about our programs. According to our research, it would take approximately $100,000 to fund an effective media campaign. Our organization is based on an innovative business model; all students pay tuition to participate, investing them in the program outcomes. Because we work with underserved populations, the majority of our students are not able to afford the full cost of participation. We maintain a scholarship fund, and provide up to 90% tuition assistance for local student participation (they comprise 2/3 of our total enrollment). To extend this opportunity to reach more youth, EPI also needs financial support for scholarships for thousands of individuals each year, amounting to $150,000. These scholarships for low-income youth will be matched 2:1 by the tuition paid by our participants.
Describe your work as a social innovator (150 words max)
EPI’s first program was developed in Costa Rica in the 1990s. Prior to EPI's presence in Costa Rica, local residents were not included in the conservation solution for Leatherbacks at Pacuare Nature Reserve. Most Costa Ricans in the area had eaten sea turtle eggs or meat. The Reserve employed armed guards to keep locals away and residents were discouraged from being on the beach during the nesting season for fear that they were there to poach turtle eggs. When EPI first proposed this collaboration, Reserve staff expressed the concern that EPI would be "training future poachers" in their protection techniques, and that locals would have no interest in learning about sea turtles and their habitat. Now, after nine successful years of our program, local residents are embraced by Reserve staff and seen as collaborators in a shared goal.
Please send me more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers
Yes, I would like more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers.
Created on 06/23/2009 by Digital_Dreambuilder
The Project explores the possibility of using virtual worlds to facilitate interaction between geographically dispersed beneficiaries and stakeholders in a donor funded programme in an immersive realistic way at significantly lower costs.
The general concept is that stakeholders, beneficiaries, programme managers and consultants can collaborate, meet, exchange ideas and discuss, in a context appropriate format (conferences, workshops, face to face meetings) in an environment that makes the interaction real.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry your work focuses on:
Although areas of experience cover Asia Pacific regions, the project will apply to any country in development towards Millennium Development Goals 2 (Education for all) and 7 ( Education For Sustainable Development). The pilot project 'Madagascar on Gaia' considers Madagascar as a target country for development
What stage is your project in?
Operating for less than a year
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
<$100
Describe Your Idea
The Project explores the possibility of using virtual worlds to facilitate interaction between geographically dispersed beneficiaries and stakeholders in a donor funded programme in an immersive realistic way at significantly lower costs.The general concept is that stakeholders, beneficiaries, programme managers and consultants can collaborate, meet, exchange ideas and discuss, in a context appropriate format (conferences, workshops, face to face meetings) in an environment that makes the interaction real.The Virtual world that this project is being developed in is Openlife where two regions are being used in the pilot. One region, Danaus, hosts the One Laptop Per Child centre on Openlife OLPC Openlife where those involved in the OLPC programme may meet and interact regardless of geographical location.The Madagascar in Gaia project is linked to the OLPC program by way of following a specific project in Madagascar and looking at the ways a virtual world could be used to faciliate and sustain education reform - http://ampitso.wordpress.com/
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDescribe your idea in fewer than 50 words.
Provides an immersive environment for beneficiaries (students, pupils, teachers) and stakeholders to meet, create solutions, learn and showcase achievements to the world in a 3D environment, all in a fun way, at low cost.
What makes your idea unique?
Personalised solutions for expression of creativity and opportunities for learning in ways that would not be possible in real life where assets and resources are in limited supply or too costly.
What is your area of work? (Please check as many as apply.)
Education
, Education reform
, Adult education
, Architecture
, Business
, Communications
, Community development
, Conscious consumerism
, Globalization
, Information technology
, Poverty alleviation
, Sustainable development
, Technology
, Environment & Sustainability
, Biodiversity
, Conservation
, Green business
, Green consumerism
, Wildlife conservation
, Indigenous cultures
, Arts and culture
.
What impact have you had?
Creating awareness of the options that are available through demonstration of the possibilities in areas related to MDG 2 ( One Laptop Per Child programmes) and 7 ( simulation and exposure of WWF programs in Madagascar)
Describe the primary problem(s) that your project is addressing.
- Acceptance of virtual worlds as an alternative to real situations; the barriers to entry are often high (a required familiarity with use of virtual worlds, modest internet access required)
Describe the steps that your organization is taking to make your project successful.
Creating materials and content that show the capabilities of virtual worlds in education, making access simpler
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Success in Year 1:
Sustained participation by incountry beneficiary organisations (NGOs, MoE, Training Organisations) in exploring potential uses of the virtual environment with a view to identifying areas for mutual benefit ( eg educational initiatives, ecotourism, environmentally sustainable trading with outside partners)
Success in Year 2:
Continued sustained participation by one or more incountry organisations contributing to the programme; securing financial backing or generating revenue to cover costs of implementation and training; local administration is sustained.
Success in Year 3:
Participating organisations fully independent in sustaining and managing local activities in the virtual world, generating revenue that covers the costs of participation
Do you have a business plan or strategic plan? (yes/no)
No published business plan
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 1:
Engage the interests of one or more organisations with a commitment to invest time and resources into exploring how a Virtual World project would yield benefits and to produce proposal for joint ventures.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 2:
Evaluate proposals on basis of value to local, district or regional communities in respect of education reform, environmental sustainability, and project sustainability ( funding,staffing )
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 3:
Preparation of project plans for management ( Project alignment with MDG Goals, Log frame analysis, sustainability and risk analysis) and M&E ( Monitoring and Evaluation ) of performance against goals
Describe the expected results of these actions.
A project that successfully demonstrates it is possible for an organisation to have a presence in a virtual world, to work in ways that would otherwise be restrictive in terms of cost and resources in the real world, yet reaching out to a more global audience.
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
When I realised, as a professional in education and training that I could design and build a system in a virtual world that could teach skills ( manual dexterity) and conduct assessment of an individual's skills in an automated way.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
PhD in Psychology with an interest in use of Information and Communications Techology to benefit in education and the environment. Wide experience internationally and an interest in the cultures and people of the places I have worked
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
OLPC Madagascar list posting
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat would prevent your project from being a success?
Technological barriers - inadequate telecommunications infrastructure to support the initiatives.
Social Barriers - reluctance of stakeholders and beneficiaries to adopt new ways of working and teaching.
Political Barriers - lack of commitment/interest by relevant national stakeholders (eg Ministries of Education, Trade and Industry, Telecommunications) to consider the long term benefits of the initiative.
If yes, provide organization name.
How long has this organization been operating? (i.e. less than a year; 1-5 years; more than 5 years)
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs? (yes/no)
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses? (yes/no)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDoes your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government? (yes/no)
No ( only through contracting agencies and donors )
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
How many people will your project serve annually?
What is the total number of employees and total number of volunteers at your organization?
1 Full Time Consultant , can draw upon a network of consultants in specialised areas
What is your organization's business classification?
For-profit
Have you received funding from any of the following groups? (Please check as many as apply.)
Created on 06/4/2009 by robertdrt
Supporting Orphans Widows Elderly Needy Development Organisation
Created on 05/31/2009 by AllenHahn
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDescribe Your Idea
The project will give Pittsburgh youth a chance to design and play games that express their perspective on local environmental concerns. The project is a hybrid of theatre, and game play mixed with community engagement. Such cross-pollination of forms is important both to the evolution of the forms themselves, but most importantly to engaging young audiences and demonstrating the value of art in understanding and engaging the world around them. There is no greater issue confronting the world’s population today than environmental degradation. While today’s adults debate ways of beginning to address these problems, it is today’s youth who will have to implement solutions. This experience will foster concrete understanding of environmental issues and create a personal investment in successful solutions.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is your idea? What makes your project innovative? Why is it important?
EcoPlayGround will work with Pittsburgh youth to design and create an interactive theatre/game that takes players on a journey as they explore an ecologically significant site in the city. With the guidance of a team of adults, a core creative group of youths will explore Pittsburgh’s ecology and the legacy of the region’s manufacturing industry and overlay their own perspective to devise a story about the world they will inherit. They will then turn their story into a game to be played by other youths in which narrative, clues, and instructions will be relayed via mobile phone—already the preferred mode of communication for today’s young audience.
As we evolve from passive media consumption into a culture of participation enabled by technology, existing art forms must adapt to youth interests and perspectives about the world. Projects that use games to develop interest and activism in tomorrow’s leaders will be critical to their success in confronting these complex issues.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat will be the impact of your idea?
Creating a story/game that integrates their own ideas with their investigation of ecological issues will give young people the agency to use what they learn in ways that they themselves define.
Playing the game will awaken a deeper, more concrete understanding of the environment and its impact on players’ well-being and create investment in a healthy ecology. Players will also need to rely on teamwork to solve the game’s challenges and ensure a successful outcome.
For both groups, the collective engagement needed to succeed will foster a sense of community and model the collaborative effort necessary to find solutions to environmental problems in the real world.
Broader impact will come from testing a new model for civic engagement by youth that fosters inquiry and creativity in equal measure. The project methodology will be thoroughly documented and offered as an open source model on which other youths can build in telling new stories about issues specific to their communities.
What will it take to launch your idea? How will you secure community support and youth participation?
We will seek young creators from schools whose goals align with EcoPlayGround, and who can include the project in classroom syllabi for the coming school year to launch the finished game in the fall of 2010.
Existing technology could support a basic treasure-hunt style game. Costs to augment this could range from $5 to $25k depending on the complexity of the system required. The game is one of exploring existing spaces, so the technology can be scaled to fit the budget without diminishing the core experience.
CMU will offer seed money through The Performance and Ecology Initiative, directed by Wendy Arons. We will seek to partner with local research and tech concerns to adapt technology for the game. Additional funding may be sought based on the success of those efforts.
Other costs toward which the requested $25k will be allocated include fees for principal artist, Allen Hahn, to oversee the project, and for experts in education/outreach and game design to assist in its implementation.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWe are looking for ideas from people who can make them happen. Tell us about yourself or your team.
Allen Hahn’s lighting design work has been seen all over the US and in festivals and opera houses across Europe. He considers light and space to be primary influences on character actions in the drama. His latest work explores using the narrative possibilities of found spaces in the city to imagine the city’s past and spark creative thought and dialogue about its future.
Wendy Arons is a Professor of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University. She has worked on numerous devised performance pieces, and as Director of CMU's Performance and Ecology initiative she will be organizing an Eco-drama Festival in Fall 2009.
Both project directors have professional experience with pioneering companies in devised theatre and are well suited to expand this paradigm outside the theatre. We have strong relationships in local arts and technology communities from which additional team members will be sought based on their expertise and their belief in the project’s vision of a vibrant youth voice in Pittsburgh.
Created on 05/26/2009 by Childrenofthelight3
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry your work focuses on:
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1-5 years
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
<$50
Name Your Project
Educational Development Center
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDescribe your idea in fewer than 50 words.
The idea is to build an educational and development center for daily after-school programs. This center would serve the full spectrum of children, both in and out of school, providing a safe, loving, and clean environment. Additionally, the center will have a teacher resource section that will encourage professional growth. Teachers will be invited to learn from and observe our methods of teaching. The children will be encouraged in spiritual growth, creativity, environmental care, academics, and recreation.
What makes your idea unique?
Our unique teaching style emphasizes all forms of creativity. Through bible teachings, dance, drama, songs, special projects and programs our students thrive in learning in a comfortable and non-threatening environment. Children here are physically and emotionally supported. They are motivated to learn through positive reinforcement. Character building and moral education is a cornerstone to developing healthy families. Additionally, our students will learn to love and care for their environment through composting, alternate forms of energy, and an awareness of the living world around them. The unique location of our future center, in the Aburi Mountains, will allow ample opportunity for exploration and conservation. Children of the Light is for all children, not strictly the underprivileged or wealthy. “Children helping children, children teaching children”
What is your area of work? (Please check as many as apply.)
Children & Youth
, At risk youth
, Behavioral issues
, Boys' development
, Child care
, Child exploitation
, Child labor
, Child protection
, Early childhood development
, Education
, Education reform
, Girls' development
, Mentorship
, Play
, Youth development
, Adult education
, Community development
, Corporate social responsibility
, Employment
, Mentorship
, Animal rights
, Energy conservation
, Waste and recycling
, Water
, Wildlife conservation
, Health & Fitness
, Disability
, Health education
, HIV/AIDS
, Recreation
, Sexuality
, Sports
, Substance abuse
, Arts and culture
, Social work
, Spirituality
, Sports
, Volunteerism
, Youth leadership.
What impact have you had?
The Children of the Light ministry has had a profound impact on the community. Through a partnership with a children’s home in Bolgatanga, children are encouraged to see outside of their own lives and reach out to help others. Parcels are designed and sent to underprivileged children in the Northern Region. Since its inception, we have seen children learn how to read, greatly improve their penmanship, grasp English as a second language and develop their art, spelling, and math abilities while fostering creativity. In addition to our weekly programs, we have an annual research project presentation, reading month activities, several competitions, and a Christmas concert. This year’s project consists of studying the seven continents, learning the flags of various countries, and individual country study including a related bible verse. Reading month is a fun time with many volunteers coming to do one-on-one reading with the students. Academic competitions help to excite the students about learning. The Christmas concert is an opportunity for drama and dance in a creative presentation. Through this concert, the local community sees the full potential of the students. We have seen exponential growth in our children’s self confidence through the performances, competitions, and presentations.
Describe the primary problem(s) that your project is addressing.
Children of the Light addresses the grave problem of inadequate education in the lives of Ghanaian children. This is the root of other serious problems such as poverty, crumbling family structures, low self-esteem, and neglect. For various reasons, students in the Ghanaian schools slip through the cracks without fully developing their academic skills. As a result, these students are hindered from advancing to higher education and reaching their career goals. Children of the Light seeks to break the harsh cycle of inadequate education. Parents who attended school, but didn’t actually learn anything, don’t understand the purpose of sending their children to school. Parents of children attending our program see that education can transform their lives.
Describe the steps that your organization is taking to make your project successful.
Over the past four years, the program has grown and expanded. A 20-foot container has been transformed into a bright, ever-growing library with a collection of learning resources. The purchase of tables and benches has enhanced learning and promoted one-on-one and small group instruction. Children of the Light is in the final stages of purchasing land for the education and developmental center. The land is now officially registered in the name of Children of the Light.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Success in Year 1:
Complete final stages of our land purchase. There is USD2,200.00 left to pay. Clear and grass a portion of the 1.316 acres of land (funding recently given to complete this task). Create a road to the land along with a car park. Begin construction on the pavilion which will be used as a basketball court and assembly hall. Build a standpipe and toilet facilities. Plant an orchard, set up a compost pile and incinerating unit. Move the container to the new land. Continue multi-weekly programs, activities and projects. Create a Children of the Light webpage.
Success in Year 2:
Build summer huts to be used for learning centers. Build volunteer quarters. Build a library and office building. Purchase two vehicles to assist in transporting children and supplies.
Success in Year 3:
Build dorms for camps complete with kitchens and toilets. Branches of Children of the Light established throughout Ghana. The center in Kitase will be the headquarters for all other branches.
Do you have a business plan or strategic plan? (yes/no)
Our business plan is to continue raising funds through prayer, strategic partnerships, website, newsletters, advertizing in local businesses and churches, maintaining current relationships with donors, and winning the Changemakers competition. Sufficient funding will allow our dream of an education and developmental center to be realized.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 1:
Publicizing our dream and encouraging people to catch the vision and partner with Children of the Light. Boldly moving forward with our dream will impact the children of today.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 2:
Maintaining the academic quality of the program so that children can move to the next level in their education and local teacher development. Draw teachers from international schools in Accra, Ghana, to volunteer.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 3:
Growth in three ways: the number of committed children, the facilities and programs offered, and the growth of quality and carefully-screened staff
Describe the expected results of these actions.
The education and developmental center will allow for growth and expansion of all programs. The after-school programs will be increased from three times a week to a daily program. With larger facilities, more children from surrounding areas will be able to come and be positively impacted. At-risk children will continue their education at our center instead of dropping out. There will be more outdoor space for the children to learn and engage in physical activities. We will teach hands-on environmental care and conservation, which will inspire them to love the Earth. Our outdoor facility will benefit the children’s overall learning experiences. It will be more conducive to both large and small group learning. Additionally, this site will encourage children to have personal ownership for the center.
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
After coming back to Ghana from New Zealand in 2004, I realized the dire need for educational programs. Children I met here were not reading even though they were attending schools. In my local neighborhood, there is a high drop-out rate with children leaving school and becoming street sellers. The first meeting was at a school in August 2005 with a handful of children present. In January 2007, we moved the ministry to my home. We are currently using a container which is in front of our house to serve as a library, office, and storeroom. However, books and other resources are quickly piling up inside of the house. With increased support, we plan to continue to the vision at a better location.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
I was born and raised in New Zealand and migrated to Ghana in 1994, a day before I turned 30. I have three children ages 12, 9, and 6. I am a full time Pre-K4 teacher at the American International School in Accra, Ghana. I am actively involved in my church, leading the children’s Sunday school program. Additionally, I am a full time administrator and part-time teacher at Children of the Light. At the end of the day, my heart’s desire is for children to have a fulfilled and happy childhood.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
I first heard about Changemakers through a mother of one of my students.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat would prevent your project from being a success?
Nothing will prevent our success. Against all odds, the ministry has grown and a solid foundation has already been laid. God has been faithful in this ministry and has provided every step of the way. However, our efforts will be greatly hindered without adequate funding.
If yes, provide organization name.
How long has this organization been operating? (i.e. less than a year; 1-5 years; more than 5 years)
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Yes, there is an Advisory Board
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs? (yes/no)
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses? (yes/no)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDoes your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government? (yes/no)
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
How many people will your project serve annually?
What is the total number of employees and total number of volunteers at your organization?
Employees: 3
Volunteers: 7
What is your organization's business classification?
Non-profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Have you received funding from any of the following groups? (Please check as many as apply.)
None of the above.
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Princess Royal Island, Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia Canada
Triple Bottom Line Tourism Model: Beginning in 1988, King Pacific Lodge embarked on a new model for sustainable tourism that considers a triple bottom line philosophy to business – one that is equally concerned for social equity and environmental conservation as for economic returns. This has been demonstrated by many
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san francisco United States
Best idea to spread imaginative creative constructive community developement around the world, not just in developing nations but at home where we have similar social issues and poverty.
great work.
good luck
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Oliver, BC, Canada
49° 10' 56.4024" N, 119° 33' 1.5732" W
Created: 04/21/09 by Anonymous
Lucas Chiappe, eco-activist, farmer and photographer from Argentina's spectacular Patagonia region, is leading an international coalition with a bold vision: creating a sanctuary that encircles the bottom of the planet to preserve the earth's southern-most forests. The Gondwana Forest Sanctuary is the first plan to conserve millions of acres of forests in four countries.
Created: 04/21/09 by Anonymous
When Martin Camacho was a child, he had to leave school to help support his family. Instead of attending classes, he went with his father to capture birds in the countryside, eating meals of wild birds' eggs, cactus fruit, and roasted pigeons.
Created: 04/17/09 by Anonymous
The Earth's natural beauty and bounty have inspired awe, reverence, and spiritual passions for millennia. Today, religious and environmental leaders around the world are working to connect the religious traditions that support nature with environmental activism and protection.
This emerging alliance of religion and ecology is rooted in a belief that environmental protection can be promoted by activating a sense of the earth's sacred qualities. It’s happening all around the globe.
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