After many days spent adjusting to the time, seeing some incredible sights, and learning more about craft and design in India we have finally arrived at our destination -The Barefoot College. What an amazing place.

Our first day was spent touring the campus, meeting with the various departments, their organic garden project, their bee keeping project, water management, medical, dentistry, puppetry -yes puppetry. Puppets play an important role in story telling and communicating crucial issues such as water conservation to communities. We also had occasion to visit the present crop of solar mommas at work -33 women from 11 nations working side by side learning to make solar panel power lights.

Watching the Solar Mommas at work

The egalitarian nature of all projects done here makes this like no other place any of us have had the occasion to visit. If you have an idea, that benefits the immediate community, or the community at large -you are welcome and invited to implementit. Anyone within the organization has the opportunity for advancement. Everyone is paid equally. 
Dinner time at the new campus

 

The possible projects are endless which is somewhat overwhelming. We are however certain we can do something good in our short time. We are so inspired to dig in. Stay tuned.
Meeting with the craftwomen who do the appliqué

 

Meeting with the sewing team that work with the Solar Mommas.
In addition to learning to build solar lights, the Mommas are taught sewing skills.

 

Sharing designs in the wood shop.
Meeting the Puppet Master (yes literally!)

 

Meeting with the master weaver. Here they make Khadi, hand spun thread woven cloth.