Fair & Friends

[Souvik Sarkar]

The Global Fund for Children (GFC) Knowledge Fair unfolded in the mesmerizing city of Kolhapur, bringing together partners and organizations, including us, in collaboration with Avaani NGO. With hearts brimming with anticipation, Team Purnata—Subrata, Mithu, and Souvik—presented their shared dreams, exchanged self-assessment posters, and immersed themselves in the shared journey of others.

We were challenged, yet it was a learning experience on the second day as 108 individuals from diverse backgrounds unveiled their community dreams. Challenges were explored, solutions emerged, and a vibrant visual art piece captured our collective wisdom. Amidst hospitality and exploration, the event nurtured growth and gratitude. We thank the GFC team for this transformative experience.

Takeaways

Mithu: I really enjoyed the discussion we had with other NGOs as a group about the challenges faced in the community and how to solve them. Also, by first talking about something we love, and an emotional issue emerges, we can use this experience in our work to develop better relationships with others.

 

Subrata: The Knowledge Fair was not a lecturer's meeting like other meetings because we all got to participate and facilitate something ourselves here.  We are also encouraged by what we see from other NGOs or cohorts about their work that we have to do something new.

Souvik: My takeaway would be that the opportunity to learn from others who have done tremendous work in the community was valuable. I appreciate how the Avani SMILE team gave their best in bringing the best hospitality to all of us. And having a participatory program was a new experience for me and I think this is something that we speak of, but we did it in practice.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks for the insights Purnata team. You brought so much richness to the event!