Community Mobilization
Community Mobilisation - A Participatory Model
During the last fifty years although many schemes have been introduced in Tamil Nadu and investments been made to increase the green cover, no substantial growth has been noticed. The main reason identified for this is the lack of people participation in the implementation of these schemes. PGH realizes that before initiating the process of environmental restoration, a community must be fully willing to participate in such a process. PGH believes that the experience of planting a tree is critical in creating the change of mindset needed.
In the targeted plantation zones, beneficiary motivation is of paramount importance. Including everybody in the process, who enjoy the benefit while being aware of it and share it with others ensures the sustainability of the program. Hence initially, the emphasis is placed on capacity building of the community to take action for their well-being. The Rural Inner Engineering© program of Isha Foundation is offered as a tool to establish health and vitality, mental calm and clarity and instill a deep sense of joy. After a core volunteer base is generated through this program, the Isha team encourages the participation of the entire village community along with the volunteers in some community games. Then the environmental program is started with the aim to raise awareness and initiate tree plantation with the support of rejuvenated and motivated volunteers generated from these programs.
Instruction and organization of volleyball and throw ball matches, for men and women respectively is given by the Isha coaches. A special emphasis is placed on youth and elders participation. These community induction games in the targeted villages are usually very well received by the participants.
After conducting these programs the response from the villagers is generally quite impressive, and is then followed by awareness campaigns and tree planting activity in these targeted villages. Overall, the community mobilization activities create trust and provide the required support for a sustainable development.
