Information Bulletin
1 May 2006
Tamil Nadu Links Strengthen
The partnership between Tamil Nadu and Shetland continues to develop with a visit from representatives of the HOPE Foundation later this week. The Foundation is helping Shetland forge links with the community of Tharaganbadi, in Southern India, badly devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004.
Samuel, one of the members of the HOPE Foundation who’ll be visiting Shetland, has established two schools in the area since the disaster, with the support of the community. The work of Chandra, another member, focuses on the development of vocational skills for 13-35 year olds. The work of the HOPE Foundation in Tharaganbadi is helping families to make a better, more stable living.
While in Shetland, Samuel and Chandra will be visiting the North Atlantic Fisheries College and Shetland College to see for themselves the educational opportunities Shetland has to offer. They will also be visiting a number of local firms as they are keen to assist students in India to establish small businesses, for example in food production and textiles.
A visit to Sandwick Junior High School and Youth Centre will enable young people to show them around their community and hand over information to be taken back to young people in India. This is the start of an exchange between the two schools. Exchanges between other schools in Shetland and Tamil Nadu will get under way in the autumn.
Drew Ratter, the Council’s Economic Development Chairperson, said: “I’m really pleased that the exchange is already developing in such a positive way following the contacts we made in Tamil Nadu at the end of last year. Naturally, I’m particularly interested in the business potential of the exchange, but I’m enthusiastic, too, about the educational benefit of this sort of scheme, which has already been clearly demonstrated in Shetland by the Global Classroom project.”
Folk in Shetland who wish to volunteer to work with the HOPE Foundation in Tharaganbadi are being asked to register an interest. The Council is currently able to support people to travel to India to assist in the schools and vocational centres. “We are keen to hear from anybody who is up for the challenge and feels they have a mix of skills that would be useful” says Emma Perring, who is co-ordinating the exchange.
People who express interest will be sent an application form and further information. The closing date for this round of applications is 31 May 2006. There will be an informal interview process. It is hoped that up to six people will have the opportunity in the coming year. More information about the HOPE Foundation, Tharaganbadi, and the exchange is available on the website at www.tamilnadushetlandexchange.com, by contacting Emma Perring on 01595 744537 or emailing info@tamilnadushetlandexchange.com .
Note to Editors
Samuel and Chandra will be available for informal discussion on 5th May, after 2pm; 8th May, after 2pm and 11th May after 2pm. If you wish to send a representative, please contact Emma Perring.
Further Information
Emma Perring can be contacted on 01595 744537 or 07769 575627 or by emailing emma.perring@shetland.gov.uk.
Ends