Self Help Groups – Inspiring Social Change

The Kerala region is renowned for its progressive and forward-thinking societal standards. One of the biggest initiatives to promote gender equality in India is the creation of self help groups (SHGs). SHGs have become an important tool in promoting women’s empowerment. Profugo has taken…

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Functional Farming: Integrated Agricultural Systems

Integrated Agricultural Systems are a sustainable practice that has economic, environmental, and social benefits. This farming technique is a “whole system” approach that utilizes existing biological relationships (Agriculture Sustainability Institute). It builds upon the concept of agroecology, which is the application of ecological principles…

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Joys and Growth: Reflections from the First Five Months in the Field

On a Saturday afternoon in January, I found myself on the balcony of the Prasanthi Cottage, my current home.  I took in my surroundings – the lush hills, the distant moos of cows, the airy dance of floating clouds.  I sat, alone, with a…

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The Wonderful World of Zero-Waste

In April, I left my Program Development Internship at Profugo to embark on a wild, wonderful, and transformative summer journey: working in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is a rugged land, and without a doubt the truest wild I’ve ever experienced. The…

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Transforming Communities Through Women’s Education

If everyone woman had the opportunity to obtain an education, the world would be a very different place. Educated women have more opportunity, and more  opportunity gives women more power.  Around the world, millions of women still do not have access to education. Out…

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The Dual Season – Understanding Monsoons

The monsoon season is a dynamic phenomenon that impacts life in many areas of the world. A monsoon is a seasonal change in wind patterns, resulting in extreme wet and dry seasons throughout the course of the year. Though they do exist in parts…

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The Story of the Bag (from the perspective of the bag)

Hello!  I take great pride in being one of Profugo’s breathtaking bags!  This creation story is very unique and extremely special.  Read on to learn about how I was created and all the amazing steps that went into making me. My journey first began…

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Who’s Who in Profugo?

The year is 2008. Jenny and Ashwin Koleth, along with friends, have spent countless hours on the ground and in the office preparing to launch their non-profit. They have seen the devastating effects of powerlessness in many places around the world, and they have…

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Beatrice’s Adventures in India

I will never stop marveling at the remarkable capacity of airplanes to transport one all the way across the world in a matter of hours. I completed the 10,000 mile journey to India over the course of three separate flights – starting in New…

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