Educare has been in Punjab a very long time (approximately 5
years to my knowledge). I believe
throughout this time we have seen a lot of ups and downs in terms of progress,
but little by little we are making change happen. We have had centers and Vikas centers in various
areas in Punjab- Adampur, Dosarka, Janauri and now in Paro. Last year we finally renewed our contract in
the office space and although it has been a slow 6 months, we are happy to
finally be using this office space now.
Now our challenge as interns? Furnishing this space in preparation of more
projects and interns. Myself and Nana
(Adriana Martinez) have been brainstorming solutions, because one of Educare’s
aims is to use recycled materials as much as possible. What I love about Educare is the same thing
that is getting put into practice here.
How can we create a comfortable space for interns and community members,
while using the fewest amount of materials in a sustainable way?
While we did buy plastic chairs to sit on- an extremely
cumbersome and entertaining bus ride, I may add- we are now thinking of more
creative ways to furnish the office.
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interns in the office with a Women’s Empowerment Poster we
received from an artist in Delhi.
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One of our ingenious ideas is to collect an old door or
large piece of unused wood and stack bricks underneath or attach smaller pieces
of wood to make a table. We also have
thought about using a low wooden Indian bed frame for the same purpose. Instead of chairs, we will make cushions out
of fabric and sit on the floor. Not only
is this more economical and better than purchasing a brand new table and
chairs, it is more culturally appropriate.
The idea for this table will be to set up a sewing space for the girls
in the community to sew blankets and curtains for our future ReStore. They themselves always work on a bed or
floor, and a table would perhaps be unfamiliar to them.
I love the opportunity to get creative and use the materials
around me to transform unwanted things and breathe new life into them. I learn a lot from the migrant workers in
that regard. They collect and re-sell
trash, but some they keep for their own use.
While some items are unwanted by some, it doesn’t mean it can’t be used
in another fashion, and makes me get creative with my own unwanted things.
I laugh at the thought that in my own country, I would just
head to the nearest IKEA and charge up a storm for this new office. But what we are creating in Punjab is genuine,
creative but above all unique.
Everything we will create will have been put together with the minds and
hands of the interns and help from the community. It will come from reused or inexpensive
materials and will demonstrate the true ideals of Educare that teach me about
sustainability every day. I know it will
take a while before this office is fully functioning to the best of its
ability, but I’m proud of the small progresses we have made, and look forward
to what we will accomplish in the coming months!
Margaret Arzon - USA
Operations Coordinator
