Going Beyond the Numbers: Progress in Prashanthagiri!

In the development world, there are tons of metrics by which to assess growth – ways to quantify a program’s progress in promoting health and wellness in a community. And who doesn’t love to see these numbers? Numbers that can easily be translated into pie charts, or info graphics about our work, are neat and easy to understand at a glance. But for those of us working with a young and growing non-profit like Profugo,

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On Mindfulness and Consumption

In order to raise awareness about Profugo, I recently worked an event at a local university that centered on fair trade. The event featured products from all over the world that devoted their sales and business practices to benefiting the producers abroad. Unicef sponsored this event and had several representatives asking questions of the attendees about their feelings on fair trade and human trafficking. I watched one representative ask a very fashionable student how her

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Counseling Center Inauguration

The inauguration of the counseling center and study aid distribution to school going children was held on May 30, 2014 at Profugo Development Initiatives. Roughly 100 plus people participated. Mr. Aneesh James welcomed guests and explained the work of the counseling center and the study aid grant. The counseling center will provide clients with help in study skills, memory, concentration, confidence, tensions, etc. We will also aid the cessation of bad habits and help cultivate

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Agrodiversity and Sustainability!

An existing problem with Wayanad’s farming community is not a lack of crop success; rather there is success…of the same crops! Cash crops such as rubber, black pepper, and coffee are three of Wayanad’s principle crops. These usually yield economic growth for the developing farmer; however, Wayanad’s farmers favor these crops to such an extent that the market is saturated; thus leading to reduced profits. In other words, too many farmers are growing coffee, rubber,

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Profugo’s First Medical Camp!

Our service area, Prashanthagiri, is in dire need of regular medical care. The nearest medical post available in private or government facilities is located in Mananthavady, roughly 15 kilometers or a 1.5 hour bus ride away. For major and minor ailments, people have to commute this distance for medical consultation and treatment.  When transportation has to be hired, as ambulance services are not available, the minimum cost is 400 rupees, which equals 2 days’ wages.

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