News from the world of NGOs

A ground-level meet
Foreign ministers from India, South Africa and Brazil recently met for the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) summit.

Later this year, mayors, local government ministers and other representatives of local governments of the three countries will meet in Delhi at the Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Delhi. ISS founder director, George Mathew said that there would be 10 representatives each from Brazil and South Africa and the host could have more participants.

The ministers are excited at the prospect of having an international summit of their own, says Mathew. The meeting is likely to take place by the year-end.

Malls for the disabled
The NGO Mother's Pride has tied up with SM Stores to help display and sell products made by mentally and physically challenged children.

The store does not charge a single penny for lending the space within their malls.

The children are trained by Mother's Pride which is also helping other NGOs with its capacity building programme. Actor Anupam Kher and singer Jagjit Singh are ambassadors for the project.

Projects for heritage
United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) India has come out with a new initiative called 'Building Partnerships to support UNESCO World Heritage'.

The aim of the programme launched on July 25 is to provide support to the biodiversity conservation programme within four world heritage sites in India. These are Kaziranga and Manas in Assam, Keoladeo in Rajasthan and Nanda Devi in Uttaranchal.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration and partnership with the government of India and with support from United Nations Foundation, Ford Foundation and Sehgal Foundation.

The purpose is to develop effectively managed clusters of existing and potential world heritage sites representing critical ecosystems and habitats of India. Management of these sites would combine law enforcement, community support and participation, engagement with civil society and private sector, education, communication and advocacy.

Education of choice
The NGO Centre for Civil Society launched its school voucher project in Delhi and gave away fee vouchers to 408 students to enable them to opt for schools of their choice.

The NGO received 1,20,000 applications from 68 wards in the metro. The NGO calls it a journey from right to education to right to education of choice.