IDEAS - International Development and Exchange AdventureS
Etiology The IDEAS program is a three pronged approach to Bringing About Better Understanding. 1. International Development: is our goal as BABU members travel to Nepal. We go to first live among the locals and learn their way of life. Then through the mutual exchange of ideas/experiences we both learn and develop. 2. Exchange: We at BABU believe strongly in the exchange of ideas. Humility and a considerate open mind are attitudes vital to fascilitate the exchange of ideas. We go not to impose ideas, but to exchange ideas. We realize that our only value to the developing world is the difference in our upbringing, education and experiences. By bringing our foreign perspective to the table, international development occurs as they are able to see their situation from a new viewpoint. And as much as we think we share with them, we should find that we are learning equally as much if not more from them. This is a true exchange. 3. AdventureS: As exchange of ideas happen, they cause us to both to change our person and how we do things. This change process is an exciting adventure we desire to see in our lives as we travel and interact with people. Adventure is plural because we realize the synergistic and infectious affect of sharing our stories. Part of our commitment to the people in Nepal is to share their story with those that are privileged enough to help. When we share our stories and the ideas we obtain in Nepal, we also contribute to the development of our own societies back at home, making them more aware of what goes on globally. We strive to share our uncontainable stories to whoever will listen to hopefully gain more insight as to how we can make things just a little bit better! For when we are together, we do so much more. And hence let's let the IDEAS flow! What is it? IDEAS is essentially a trip to Nepal where needs assessment is done in the first week. Then the rest of the trip is spent using your background skills, training, upbringing, education and tools to be a blessing to the Nepali people. New IDEAS March 2010 - Eric Past IDEAS 2007 - Hamid and Eric 2008 - Andrew and Lana 2009 - Lana Implementations that people have done in the past include but are not limited to - showing up at doctors rounds (mere presence of a foreigner means a whole lot to the people in this country - just consider how excited you are when people come to cheer you on in whatever you're doing); you'll find there's a lot to learn and share there just from your experiences/education. - equipment donation - surgical assist - medical equipment inservice - public health seminars - for some other ideas, check out our Past IDEAS Cost - flight from Canada runs you around $1400 after taxes - accomodations runs you ~$5/night at a clean place with hot showers, flush toilet, fan, satellite TV and can be cheaper depending how cheap of a place you want to stay at. Or you can stay at the Ramanda Inn for $120/night too if so inclined - meals are cheap, again depends how well you want to eat. You can get a decent meal for 1USD. Fundraising option Should you choose to fundraise for BABU, you are entitled for up to 49% of your fundraised money for 'reasonable' flight and accommodation reimbursement up to the full amount of your 'reasonable' flight and accommodation. Still under construction...
Please email Eric additional questions, comments, queries, concerns pertaining to IDEAS. (eric@ideas2implementations.org) |